Leader

Leader–Member Exchange in Matthew 17: 1-23 and Jesus Developing High-Exchange Relationships (In-Groups And Out-Groups) and Leadership Development

Geoffrey Dudley | 2019

Abstract

This study examined the leadership of Jesus Christ through the lens of Matthew 17:1-23 in order to compare his leadership with the constructs of leader–member exchange (LMX). Moreover, to discover if there are pastoral leadership implications of LMX on developing leaders for the local church, the study used social rhetorical analysis as its research methodology. Eight themes and seven leadership principles for the local church and leadership development emerged from the study. Jesus’ leadership and management of in-groups and out-groups before, during, and after his transfiguration on the Mount of Transfiguration ultimately answered the question that Jesus was the Son of God and, consistent with that answer, Jesus’ leadership reflected LMX theocratical principles as he developed high-exchange relationships with his disciples. He did this while maintaining an egalitarian atmosphere amongst the disciples and fending off the outside influence of the Pharisees. This study created a framework for future studies of small-group development and maintenance within the local church as well as showed how to grow a church through developing believers into disciple leaders.