Abstract
In this chapter, Ephesians 4:1–16 is analyzed using socio-rhetorical criticism, specifically narrational, opening–middle–closing, and argumentative inner texture, social intertexture, and sacred texture to understand the role of leaders, followers, and the community in creating unity, a key espoused outcome of organizational spirituality. The four sections of text within the pericope provide four principles of organizational spirituality. Principle One highlights unity as a “call to action” within the early church. Principle Two espouses unity and oneness in both the church as an institution and in the relationships within the church. Principle Three addresses the social code of reciprocity and gift-giving as a means to argue for appropriate mature behavior by all members of the church. Principle Four outlines the roles of leaders, officers, and organizational members within the church and how those roles support and lead to unity.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Ashforth, B. E., & Pratt, M. G. (2010). Institutionalized spirituality: An oxymoron? In Handbook of workplace spirituality and organizational performance (pp. 44–58). Routledge.
Ashmos, D. P., & Duchon, D. (2000). Spirituality at work: A conceptualization and measure. Journal of Management Inquiry, 9(2), 134–145. https://doi.org/10.1177/105649260092008
Barentsen, J. (2011). Emerging leadership in the Pauline Mission: A social identity perspective on local leadership development in Corinth and Ephesus. Pickwick Publications.
Boice, J. M. (1997). Ephesians: An expositional commentary. Baker Books.
Charoensukmongkol, P., Daniel, J. L., & Chatelain-Jardon, R. (2015). The contribution of workplace spirituality on organizational citizenship behavior. Advances in Business Research, 6(1), 32–45.
deSilva, D. A. (2004). An introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, methods, and ministry formation. IVP Academic.
Evers, F. T., & Reid, L. (2009). Addressing wellness problems in the workplace through spirituality: Six risks and six spiritual solutions. In The workplace and spirituality: New perspectives on research and practice (pp. 119–128). Skylight Paths.
Giacalone, R. A., & Jurkiewicz, C. L. (2010). The science of workplace spirituality. In Handbook of workplace spirituality and organizational performance (pp. 19–42). Routledge.
Henson, J. D., Crowther, S. S., & Huizing, R. L. (2020). Exegetical analysis: A practical guide for applying biblical research to the social sciences. Kendall Hunt Publishing.
Hicks, D. A. (2003). Religion and the workplace: Pluralism, spirituality, and leadership. Cambridge University Press.
Hill, P. C., & Smith, G. S. (2010). Coming to terms with spirituality and religion in the workplace. In Handbook of workplace spirituality and organizational performance (pp. 171–184). Routledge.
Keener, C. S. (2014). IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (2nd ed.). InterVarsity Press.
Kellerman, B. (2012). The end of leadership. Harper Business.
Lloyd-Jones, D. M. (1980). Christian unity: An exposition of Ephesians 4:1–16. Baker Books.
Malina, B. (2001). The new testament world: Insights from cultural anthropology (3rd ed.). Westminster John Knox Publishing.
Mehran, Z. (2017). The effect of spirituality in the workplace on organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. International Journal of Human Capital in Urban Management, 2(3), 219–228. https://doi.org/10.22034/IJHCUM.2017.02.03.006
Miliman, J., Czaplewski, A. J., & Ferguson, J. (2003). Workplace spirituality and employee work attitudes: An exploratory empirical assessment. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 16(4), 426–447. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810310484172
Mitton, C. L. (1976). Ephesians. The Attic Press, Inc.
Organ, D. W. (1988). Organizational citizenship behavior: The good soldier syndrome. Lexington Books/DC Heath and Com.
Organ, D. W. (1990). The motivational basis of organizational citizenship behavior. Research in Organizational Behavior, 12(1), 43–72.
Osborne, G. (2006). The hermeneutical spiral. InterVarsity Press.
Pfeffer, J. (2010). Business and the spirit: Management practices that sustain values. In Handbook of workplace spirituality and organizational performance (pp. 43–59). Routledge.
Praveen Parboteeah, K., & Cullen, J. B. (2010). Ethical climates and spirituality: An exploratory examination of theoretical links. In Handbook of workplace spirituality and organizational performance (pp. 99–113). Routledge.
Robbins, V. K. (1996). Exploring the texture of texts: A guide to socio-rhetorical interpretation. Trinity Press International.
Sass, J. S. (2000). Characterizing organizational spirituality: An organizational communication culture approach. Communication Studies, 51(3), 195–217.
Schnackenburg, R. (1991). Ephesians: A commentary. T & T Clark.
Tepper, B. J. (2010). Organizational citizenship behavior and the spiritual employee. In Handbook of workplace spirituality and organizational performance (pp. 143–154). Routledge.
Wheatley, M. (2006). Leadership and the new science: Discovering order in a chaotic world. Barret-Kohler Publishers, Inc.
Williams, L. J., & Anderson, S. E. (1991). Job satisfaction and organizational commitment as predictors of organizational citizenship and in-role behaviors. Journal of Management, 17(3), 601–617. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920639101700305
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Hunt, E.K., Veiss, S.D. (2022). Leadership, Maturity, and Unity: An Analysis of Ephesians 4:1–16. In: Henson, J.D. (eds) Biblical Organizational Spirituality. Christian Faith Perspectives in Leadership and Business. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04006-1_12
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-04006-1_12
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-04005-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-031-04006-1
eBook Packages: Business and ManagementBusiness and Management (R0)