Harnessing the qualities and skills of a political leader to become a better pastoral leader was the central theme of the Revd Canon Prof Luke Bretherton’s keynote speech at the clergy conference.
He argued that if ministers see their calling as one to political office it “opens up a different vision for thinking about this call to pastoral leadership, which I think is central to all of our ministries”.
He began by describing the traditional view of ministers as pastors, as shepherds of the people. He explored the symbolism of the sceptre as an almost universal symbol of power linked to the shepherd.
Luke’s talk set out the similarities and differences between a pastoral and sovereign leader but made the point that both kinds of power had their positives and negatives. He asked the delegates to spend some time thinking about and discussing the definitions of pastoral and political leadership and their impact.
He highlighted biblical depictions of pastoral care and shepherding as a form of rule, referring to David, Moses and finally Jesus.
Luke ended his talk with some inspiring words for the clergy and their ministry: “God has called you, he has anointed you, the spirit as it works through you and God has given you authority to do God's work among God's people and really bless you for it and you are doing a work of great beauty.
“My favourite line is from Irenaeus of Lyons, who said 'The beauty of God, the glory of God is a human being fully alive', and you are each enabled and gifted to do that work, and really thank you.”
Watch Luke's keynote address or read the transcript.
Luke is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at Oxford.