Religions· 2026Q1
Friendship as a Costly Gift: A Theological Account of Ecclesial Power, Role-Based Asymmetry, and Boundary Work
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Friendship-leadership, a theological praxis of ecclesial influence, can function within role-based power asymmetries by exercising power 'with and for others' good'.
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Key points
- Friendship-leadership is a theological praxis of ecclesial influence.
- It functions as a kenotic mode of power, exercised with and for others' good.
- Boundary work is essential for navigating role-based power asymmetries in leadership.
- Discernment of contextualized rules guides friendship-leadership in power dynamics.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Friendship–leadership constitutes an innovative and theologically grounded praxis of ecclesial influence that may, under specific conditions, function within role-based power asymmetries. Locating friendship–leadership within a broader typology of power, this paper develops this kenotic mode of influence as power exercised with others and for their good. The particular pragmatic challenge posed by asymmetry inherent in professionalised roles of ecclesial leadership is then addressed through an account of boundary work as the discernment of contextualised rules of art by which friendship–leadership may remain attentive to extant power dynamics.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Religions, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Demography
DemographySocial Sciences