77 ly submit to them. The first two characteristics are the day-to-day activities of prophetic leadership, while the third characteristic is leveraged whenever the first two are unable to be practiced. Prophetic leadership is not an anarchic leadership approach, nor does it seek to subvert authority in daily practice. When authority is confronted, subverted, or disobeyed it is done so with the understanding that the prophetic leader is recognizing God’s authority which is over-and-above the earthly authority. In those rare occasions, the prophetic leader disengages with the earthly authority, rejecting their errant authority, and engages directly with God’s authority until the earthly authority is reestablished. Prophetic leaders are oftentimes seen as odd, irrational, and silly since they lead counter-culturally, that is, they lead using biblical standards as their guide instead of utilitarian, subjective moral standards. Similarly, Bonhoeffer was confronted by fellow theologian Karl Barth due to his oddly monastic activities at Finkenwalde. He rebuked Bonhoeffer for his “smell…of monastic eros and pathos, for which I for now have neither the appropriate sensorium nor any real use.”39 Prophetic leaders are often misunderstood, and in extreme cases, reviled. Yet, they cling to Jesus Christ’s beatific promise that they are blessed when persecuted for His sake (Matthew 5:11-12). They are guided by a higher calling, a higher power, and a higher promise, one that the world cannot comprehend (Isaiah 55:8; Proverbs 3:5). Conclusion Prophetic leaders are needed now, more than ever before. They are needed in commerce and Congress, in schools and churches, in the boardroom and the breakroom, in Wall Street’s towers and Hollywood’s stages. Prophetic leaders are needed yesterday, today, and tomorrow, until Christ’s return. Prophetic leaders are never content with ‘good enough’ or ‘just a little longer.’ Their hearts cry for justice and peace and they are motivated to use their influence to bring God’s justice and peace to those around them. Bonhoeffer recognized this need and lamented, “Jesus is looking for good shepherds, and there are none to be found.”40 The world waits, the Church longs, and God calls. “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8) BONHOEFFER AND PROPHETIC LEADERSHIP
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