Women and leadership from a pastoral perspective of friendship

Abstract

The aim of the article is to describe leadership from the perspective of friendship. This perspective highlights a  pastoral rather than a power oriented approach to leadership. Such an approach would be compatible with an attitude of service as an essential characteristic of the church. It could also contribute to the healing of church  structures that have become entangled in power games. It could lead to the healing of women and other disempowered groups who have for centuries been the victims of the power struggles of church institutions.