A MESSAGE FROM DR. EZRA ANIEBUE, ULS CHANCELLOR
WELCOME TO ULS, WHERE WE DEVELOP EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS AND KINGS THROUGH CHRISTOCENTRISM!
VISION: TRAIN ONE MILLION PASTORS AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS ON SCHOLARSHIP BASIS
MOTTO: CHRISTOCENTRISM
MISSION: Titus 2:1, “SPEAK THE THINGS WHICH ARE PROPER FOR SOUND DOCTRINE.” SOUND DOCTRINE AND SOUND LEADERSHIP.
“Christocentrism,” is the theological concept that places Jesus Christ at the absolute center of all things: faith, life, leadership, and decision-making. When applying this principle to leadership, we understand that effective leadership revolves around Christ, much like the planets revolve around the sun.
Expressing Christocentrism as a mathematical equation for leadership can be structured as follows:
L = f(C)
Where:
- L = Leadership (effectiveness)
- f(C) = Function of Christ at the center
This equation implies that leadership (L) is directly dependent on Christ (C), emphasizing that true leadership only flourishes when Christ is at the core.
Now, expanding it with effective leadership principles:
L = Σ[P₁, P₂, …, Pₙ] x C
Where:
- L = Leadership Effectiveness
- Σ[P₁, P₂, …, Pₙ] = Summation of leadership principles (P₁ to Pₙ) such as humility, servanthood, integrity, love, wisdom, and Each principle contributes to leadership but gains full power only when multiplied by Christ(C).
- C = Jesus Christ, the center and multiplier
Elaboration:
Without Christ, these leadership principles are just moral guidelines, but when multiplied by Christ (C), they gain divine strength and alignment with God’s will. For example:
- P₁ (Humility) becomes true humility when modeled after Christ (Philippians 2:5-7).
- P₂ (Servanthood) mirrors Christ’s servanthood (Mark 10:45).
- Pₙ (Love) becomes selfless love, as Christ exemplified (John 13:34).
When Christ is at the highest point and center, leadership is exalted as L approaches infinity (i.e., perfect leadership):
L → ∞ as C → Highest (Christ is fully exalted)
This model demonstrates that the more Christ is centered and exalted in leadership, the more effective, eternal, and profound the leadership becomes, echoing Jesus’ own words in John 12:32:
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Application in Leadership:
- Visionary Leadership (ὅραμα – horama): Jesus is the ultimate vision (Hebrews 12:2).
- Servant Leadership (ַבק דָּ – dāvaq): Cling to Christ’s example (John 13:14-15).
- Relational Leadership (ἀγάπη – agápē): Lead through self-sacrificial love as Christ
Therefore, leadership effectiveness (L) is maximized when centered on Christ, who is the highest point and center of all leadership dynamics.
When Christocentrism is applied to various leadership contexts, church leadership, business or corporation leadership, and leading as a king – the results are transformative. Let’s explore the benefits for each:
1. Church Leadership:
In church leadership, where spiritual guidance and pastoral care are paramount, the centrality of Christ (Christocentrism) elevates the effectiveness of ministry in profound ways.
Benefits:
- Spiritual Authority: By placing Jesus Christ at the center, church leaders act under the authority of the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). This creates a leadership that is grounded in Divine wisdom and empowered by the Holy
- Unity of the Body (ἑνότης – henotēs): When Christ is the focus, the church operates in Christocentrism fosters the bond of peace and harmony (Ephesians 4:3), minimizing division and conflict within the congregation.
- Servant Leadership Model: Jesus exemplified servant leadership (Mark 10:45), and by following His example, church leaders will focus on serving rather than being served. This humbles the leadership while lifting the spiritual welfare of the
- Sustainability in Ministry: Christ-centered leadership avoids burnout by trusting Christ to lead through the burdens (Matthew 11:28-30). The emphasis is on reliance on God’s power rather than personal ability, bringing longevity to ministry
2. Business or Corporation Leadership:
In the corporate world, centering leadership on Christ offers a new model of ethical, transformational leadership that stands out in a profit-driven environment.
Benefits:
- Integrity and Ethical Foundation: Christocentrism establishes an unshakable moral Leaders who center on Christ practice integrity (Proverbs 11:3), ensuring that business practices are ethical, transparent, and driven by godly principles.
- Transformational Leadership (μεταμόρφωσις – metamórphosis): Jesus transforms lives, and His model can transform By prioritizing people over profits and modeling Christ-like care, leaders inspire loyalty, innovation, and commitment from employees.
- Servant Leadership Creates a Positive Culture: Following Christ’s example of service (John 13:14), corporate leaders foster an environment of respect and mutual care. This promotes a positive, productive workplace where employees feel valued and engaged.
- Long-term Success: Christ-centered businesses build trust with customers and stakeholders, establishing a reputation of reliability. This trust yields long-term growth because the company operates on values that transcend mere
3. Leading as a King or Traditional Ruler:
For kings, queens, and political leaders, Christocentrism brings a divine perspective on governance, elevating their rule to serve their people with justice, wisdom, and compassion.
Benefits:
- Justice and Righteousness (ֶדק ֶצ – tzedek, δικαιοσύνη – dikaiosýnē): When a king’s
leadership is Christ-centered, it is characterized by justice and righteousness, reflecting God’s heart for fairness (Psalm 89:14). This builds trust and loyalty among subjects, as they see the leader upholding godly standards.
- Wise and Discernment-based Decision Making: Christ is the source of wisdom (Colossians 2:3). A king who places Christ at the center leads with supernatural insight and discernment, navigating complex political and social challenges with divine guidance (Proverbs 8:15-16).
- Humility and Servant Leadership: Even a king, though in a position of power, can model servant leadership after Christ (Philippians 2:5-7). This humility before God enables a leader to gain the respect of the people and to govern with compassion, understanding, and true
- Peace and Stability in the Kingdom: Christocentric leadership
brings peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). A ruler who leads with Christ at the center ensures peace internally through righteous governance and externally through diplomacy reflecting Christ’s peaceable kingdom.
By placing Christ at the center of leadership, leaders from all walks of life align themselves with a higher calling that transcends worldly standards and brings forth lasting impact.
Thank you for joining ULS as we strive to become one of the world’s best online religious (Christian) leadership universities. The commencement date of your program and lecture syllabus will be posted on your respective ULS platforms and leadership centers.
Peace and kindness, Office of the President
Xc: ULS MEDIA DEPARTMENT 10/26/2024