An Augustinian Basis for Collaborative Leadership

In 2010, I took a course on Collaborative Leadership in Ministry. I wrote my final paper “An Augustinian Basis for Collaborative Leadership” drawing upon four significant images from Augustine himself, which are important phrases in our own Spirituality. If you recall I had previously given important phrases that are used in our Rule, and that many Augustinians take to heart in their own personal application of the principles of Augustinian Spirituality. In addition, understanding that Apostolic Life in the Church is a core aspect of our own Spirituality, I wanted to draw on four important images, or mantras, from Augustine that would be relevant. I decided I would merely include a brief summary of this paper, and refer to the four phrases.

The first idea, from the rule, is the journey to God, in oneness of mind and heart. This is a basis of much of our life together, and in my own experience with my brothers, it already penetrates our ministry. In effect, we value those who work in our apostolic endeavors as friends who journey with us. We pray and reflect with them. We draw upon their wisdom as much as they draw on ours.

The second idea, from Augustine’s sermon, is another mantra: “For you I am Bishop, with you I am Christian.” Our pastoral work does not distinguish us from the common discipleship that we all share in. For Augustine, we find that he was incredibly candid for a man of such a prestigious office. It became a way in which he was drawn close to those he served with.

The third image, again from the rule, and building upon this one, is that a Superior ought to be inspired and motivated by love. In order for friendship, trust, and especially collaboration to happen, charity can be the only firm foundation on which to build. Charity does not happen when we are not one in mind and heart, nor together as Christians. Charity, again, is not merely a warm and fuzzy feeling, but is neither heavy handed.

Finally, balancing all these images, is the more theologically profound idea that has given Augustine the title: “Doctor of Grace.” In order to deal with Pelagius (whose view would eventually be condemned by heresy) he emphasized Grace. The problem with Pelagius positive assertion of human freedom, left little room to account for our confused motivations, and our mistakes. When we are indeed absolutely free, as Pelagius believed, we have no need for God’s mercy, and every little mistake cannot be accounted for under that mercy and love. If we are inspired by God’s grace to be good, that means we are collaborating with God’s work of salvation and sanctification in us and in the world.