The Christian Manager's Spiritual Journey

During the past five years I have facilitated a seminar attended by more than 350 senior and middle management executives, “Spirituality of Organizational Leadership” at Santa Clara University. (Delbecq, 2000) I also direct the Institute for Leadership Spirituality that conducts discourse between Theologians, CEOs, and Management (Delbecq, 2001) Finally, I participate in an Inter-religious meditation community where managers gather each week for contemplative practice and sharing focused on the vocation of organizational leadership (www.thecommunityofjoseph.org).

Reflecting on these experiences, I will share a perspective on the spiritual journey of the Christian manager. Although all of the above contexts are inter-religious, the focus of my paper will be on the Christian perspective. My own tradition is Roman Catholic.

Before reflecting on my shared experiences with Christian business leaders let me preface my remarks with a short statement regarding contemporary Christian theology and the role of the “laity” (nonclerical Christians).