The Qualifications of a Leader

There are few social situations in which there is no leader. Families, athletics, education, entertainment, employment, churches, volunteer opportunities – in every group, leaders emerge. The monastery is no different. St. Benedict defines the leader in the monastery in great detail. Joan Chittister summarizes Benedict’s description of this Christ-like leader as “simple, unassuming, immersed in God, loving of the marginal, doer of the gospel, beacon to the strong.” The abbot or prioress will, in fact, need to give an account to God for his or her own soul and those entrusted to their care on the day of judgment (2:37-8).

I lived in a Benedictine monastery for nine years. During those years, two different prioresses served as leaders of the community. Our monastery sponsored two large institutions: a hospital system, with more than thirty-five individual hospitals, clinics, etc., and a university. The prioress was responsible for these in addition to the normal day-to-day running of the monastery. I was always amazed at how many meetings and activities the prioress had to manage as part of these leadership roles. I was impressed with how both of these prioresses embodied the sort of leadership Benedict expects in a healthy community.

What’s more, both of these prioresses impressed me in the same way. Elsewhere in the Rule, Benedict writes, “The brothers should serve one another. Consequently, no one will be excused from kitchen service unless he is sick or engaged in some important business of the monastery” (35:1) Benedict really means no one will be excused. So, each of these prioresses were sure to be present every week when it was their turn to help with the supper dishes. They even filled in for other sisters who had schedule conflicts. Week in, week out, I saw the prioress cleaning dishes. On special feast days, I saw her cooking breakfast for the sisters and employees. 

These two prioresses taught me that Benedict has something important to teach us about leadership: humble service is a requirement. I witnessed this kind of leadership in both my prioresses. I can only hope to be as gracious and humble a servant to those I lead. 

About Dr. Terry Lafferty

Terry Lafferty has her PhD in Biblical Studies from the Catholic University of America. She is an
Associate Professor of Theology, the Chair of the Theology and Philosophy Department, and
the chair of the Division of Arts and Humanities. Her research interests are all things biblical, but
especially the prophets.