Introduction

In the 1920s, religious leaders added the use of radio broadcasts to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Newport, 2020). Ministry efforts later expanded to television broadcasts, showing viewers all over the world what congregants experienced weekly during Sunday services. Nearly 100 years later, the reach of religious leaders has extended even more by using social media. Social media is electronic communications used to connect people or a community of people using an online forum (“social media,” n.d.) Before 2020, social media appeared as the next televangelist forum for the modern church (Stetzer, 2015). Considering 45% of mankind uses social media (Kemp, 2019), a pastor who uses online platforms can reach a large body of people for the sake of authentic fellowship while maintaining relevancy when sharing the Gospel (“Is Social Media…,” 2017). Stetzer (2015) likened ministry avoidance of social media to a pastor who does not use a microphone when preaching to a large congregation, indicating that such avoidance is a response that is not easy to understand.

When considering the online presence of ministry, Scott-Lundy (2017) discussed ministry branding as an important opportunity for churches to show authenticity, unity, and relevance. The social media accounts of churches display authenticity when leaders share the truth on their social platform, relay unity as it relates to working with other community leaders, and show relevance when using their accounts (Coman & Coman, 2017). For example, if a church works hard to promote a proper self-image of its leader, then it matters what the leader offers to followers online (Coman & Coman). A positive online posture helps leaders avoid keyboard warrior status—one who attacks every post they find disagreeable in an abusive manner (“keyboard warrior,” n.d.)—causing people to feel gentleness versus abuse when the leader posts a message. Another way positive online posture is viewed by followers is when ministry leaders share humorous content such as short videos prepared by Christian comedians. Such posts help demonstrate the scientifically proven Christian proverb that indicates laughter is medicine for the body (University of Maryland Medical Center, 2005; King James Version Proverbs 17:2–24). It is important to note that in times of peril, the online presence of ministry also requires proper social presence, especially as it relates to the complexities of ministering with distancing between the physical church and its congregants.

Social media use took a new turn in 2020 when the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck the world (Newport, 2020). Before the pandemic, ministry leaders often posted to social media outlets at least once a week for Sunday morning church service. At the onset of the pandemic, social distancing (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020) began and churches were instructed by government leaders to close their physical doors (The Office of Governor Larry Hogan, 2020). Therefore, online weekly services began to include internet Bible study sessions and small group meetings. Social distancing led to pastoral sermons becoming more intimate as leaders sat behind their home office desks to deliver their messages. Their mission included using social media to help members understand how to manage a pandemic while maintaining a Biblically principled life. Social media was also used by pastoral leaders from across the nation who gathered in unity to teach other leaders how to manage their churches during the pandemic. For example, one pastoral collaborative outreach session called “Pastoring During a Pandemic,” was hosted on Facebook Live on April 27, 2020, by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, TN (Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2020). The session was titled “Grace for a New Space,” and began with Bishop Walker introducing the session to its viewers, ultimately letting the viewers know, “…we need to hear the truth around COVID and its impact upon an underserved community….” (Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2:32). He also said, “…we need to hear the truth in how we can protect ourselves and protect our families; it’s incredibly important” (Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2:39). Bishop Walker explained how some churches lacked the skills to use innovative methods to maintain relevancy. His opening statement was transparent in showing even leaders sometimes lack information in uncertain times; however, he explained that leaders need to understand how to exhibit flexibility during a time where mobility was limited. In the series opener, Bishop Walker hosted a well-respected panel of ministry leaders from all over the nation to share in the discussion, including Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr., pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, MD, Bishop T. D. Jakes, pastor of The Potters House in Dallas, TX, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., founder of Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, International, Atlanta, GA, Dr. Craig L. Oliver, Sr., pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, Pastor Keion Henderson of Lighthouse Church in Houston, TX, Pastor Terrance Johnson of Higher Dimension Church in Houston, TX, Elder Decari Middlebrooks, executive director of Mount Zion Baptist Church’s Virtual Church, and Dr. Stephanie Walker, MD, MPH, of Mount Zion Baptist Church (Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2020). Bishop Walker prompted each leader with different questions regarding how church leaders could work to help the church maintain authenticity, relevancy, and unity during the pandemic, especially as it related to moving forward with the mission of the church while using technology. While engaging thousands of online viewers, each leader expressed their thoughts regarding strategies for reaching church members while taking care of self during the current climate of COVID-19. The leaders could agree that while traditional leadership qualities may remain unchanged, modern leaders require innovation and technical savviness to better serve their churches, including the use of social media platforms.

While the tech savvy pastor uses modern technology for the sake of spreading the Gospel, it is important that additional thought goes into the transparency and authenticity of each post and act made online. Stetzer (2015) mentioned three ways modern leaders damage their efforts when using social media. When the pastor uses social media to gain notoriety and fame, engages in conflicts, or shares false news, he has crossed the line from sharing the Gospel to hurting it (Stetzer). When the pastor works to increase his influence instead of spreading the gospel, participates in online arguments over politics or football, or shares speculation versus the truth, the integrity associated with him could inadvertently shed an unpleasant view on the Gospel, especially if the  video goes “viral.”

When a video or post goes “viral,” it is deemed a dream or nightmare, depending on several factors. The factors include the creator of the content, what the content represents, and whom the content reaches (Moreau, 2018). Viral, a word stemming from the word ‘virus,’ or an infectious agent, is what happens to a post when there is a spike in emotion based on the shared content (Moreau). The emotional response causes the recipient of the content to want to share the feelings they experienced with others (Moreau). When a pastor has online content that goes viral, the obvious desire is it is a dream, where the content is shared massively to spread positive, Godly information. However, a misstep by the pastor can cause a nightmare, where negative, ungodly information escapes her grasp. If the leaders in “Pastoring During a Pandemic” chose to speak rhetoric instead of truth, then the authenticity and transparency required for Christian leaders could be at stake. By them speaking the truth, they cultivated transparency and authenticity (Men, 2014) where followers eagerly await additional Biblical guidance.

In the era of social media, building and protecting the reputation of leaders and organizations are progressively becoming a more important task for Christian leaders. The high level of importance is due to the public, which places unseen levels of high hopes in leaders and their companies to exhibit “openness, visibility, transparency and authenticity” (Men, 2014, p. 254). Christian leaders are no exception. Leaders, including Christian leaders, know they have influence over followers and have a mandate of required transparency and authenticity based on the values associated with their belief system.

Transparency and Authenticity

Yukl (2006) described leadership as the development of follower influence. The role of leaders helps create an atmosphere that influences the attitudes, behavior, and motivation of followers (Men, 2014). Part of leader influence includes transparency. Men described transparency in three sections. First, the information shared by the leader is clear and substantial without keeping followers guessing. Next, the leader does not simply make organizational decisions; instead, the decision-making process includes both the leader and the stakeholders. Further, transparent leaders show accountability through the words they communicate, how they behave, and their actions. While a transparent leader may share either positive or negative information online, being authentic also increases the odds of a positive outcome (Cooper, Scandura, & Schriesheim, 2005).

Authentic leadership is a leadership type that helps shape the perception and behavior of followers. Walumbwa, Avolio, Gardner, Wernsing, and Peterson (2008) posited that authentic leadership births itself out of a climate of increased organizational scandals and malfeasance in management. The negative associations organizations experience due to the damaging behavior of some of their public figures required a foundational need for a leadership style based on values—the authentic leadership style (Men, 2014). The value-based leadership style of authentic leadership seeks to “train and develop leaders who will proactively foster positive environments and conduct business in an ethical, sociallyresponsible manner” (Cooper et al., 2005, p. 476). In the online environment, leaders who are transparent with an authentic leadership style have a strong basis in their values.

Value-Based Leadership

Winston (2002) discussed leaders who base their methods on values, mentioning the idea of having values as a leader is nothing new. Winston argued that values are timeless and necessary. As a value-based leader, the Christian leader seeks the Holy Text for everything in life, including how to function online. While the daily operations of the Christian leader mimic non-Christian leaders, the way they handle business operations is different. In operating, a Christian leader seriously considers the Biblical commandment to live a life of worship through prayer (1 Timothy 2:1–2), seeking God (Psalm 105:4), and spreading the Gospel (John 3:16). A life of worship never ceases unless the Christian chooses another way of living or passes from this life to a life eternal (Galatians 6:8). Therefore, the value-based Christian leader ensures their values are front and center when using an online platform by living a life of worship.

Leading with Agapao

Living a life of worship is not fulfilled without the demonstration of love. Agapao love is “…the cornerstone of the servant leadership/follower relationship…” (Patterson, 2003, p. 8). The manner through which Christian leaders benefit followers is by loving them with Agapao, which is also considered friendly love by Winston (2002). When a leader shows Agapao, they know how to handle people carefully, recognizing the four rights – the right location, the right time, the right gifts and abilities, and the right purpose (Winston). Such leaders also show love both socially and morally (Sachdeva & Prakash, 2017).

With an online platform, the right location is virtually based and the right time is anytime within a 24-hour day; however, the right gifts and abilities of followers along with the right purpose are consistent whether in the virtual or physical world. Therefore, it is imperative that Christian leaders exhibit authenticity and transparency in leadership when using social media.

Social media has seen extensive growth in the last 20 years, and Christian leaders could use mentors to help them sculpt their online persona. While leaders may use any historical or modern reputable leader as an influence, Christian leaders can find clarity on how God views His leaders in the Bible. Paul is an excellent example of how a leader is authentic and transparent in building leader trust in followers while also sharing the Gospelsocially.

Paul as an Authentic and Transparent Leader

The phrases ‘terrorist’ and ‘man of God’ are at least two descriptions of Paul during his lifetime. The placement of Paul’s days of terror is in Chapters 7–8 in the book of Acts. His days of Godly influence are in Acts 9 through the Epistles.

A Young Terrorist: Saul

If a person met Paul during his Christian journey, they might not have believed that he was once a terrorist of people who loved God (Acts 7–8). After the persecution of Stephen, many believers of Christ experienced persecution at the hand of young Saul (Acts 8:1). Saul penalized Christians due to their beliefs (Acts 8:3). He would abruptly disrupt the homes of people by taking them to a new home in the prison (Acts 8:1–3). Saul was not kind to the people of God. Instead, he harmed those who loved the Lord. He was not ashamed of his behavior and was authentic to his role and transparent in what he was doing, even though it was all for the wrong reason.

As Saul continued to enjoy his malicious behavior (Acts 9:2–3), it all had to come to a stop. The day his life changed was the day he met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:2–4). His meeting of Christ was not by chance but by design. Saul lost his natural vision to gain spiritual insight, and through three days of fasting, praying, and baptism, Saul regained his physical sight when Jesus instructed Ananias to lay hands on Saul (Acts 9). Then, Saul addressed his spiritual view (Acts 9). While not being accepted by the disciples, the apostles uplifted and supported him (Acts 9). Even though Saul changed, those who knew of his past had trouble accepting him as a man who loved Jesus Christ.

A Mature Leader: Saul also Known as Paul

The construction of the early church included the works of Saul and his friend, Barnabas (Acts 11:25–30). During this time, Saul began to answer to the name, Paul (Acts 13:9). Also during this time, Paul spread the Gospel and worked to groom disciples of the Gentiles. While working, Paul was incarcerated (Acts 16), put out of towns, and chased by persecutors (Acts 14:8–27). Paul remained consistent as a Christianleader while building the early church in Corinth and Ephesus (DeSilva 2004). Through it all, Paul was authentic and transparent about who he was and whom he had become. After demonstrating his role and sharing his vision with his followers, and then his followers buying into his vision (Acts 20), the impact of Paul was significant in the early church (DeSilva).

Proper Use of Power

From ‘Saul to Paul’ in Acts reads like a feel-good movie. However, Paul’s influence throughout his life affected many people in both good and bad ways. In most of his written journey, he had a level of influence that followed with both sound and unsound decisions. Ivancevich, Konopaske, and Matteson (2014) discussed the steps to making a good decision, where the leader must first recognize a problem exists. The behavior of the leader impacts not only the leader but the organization as well (Ivancevich et al.). The influence of Saul and Paul showed how power and influence could help or hurt people, and the person with decision-making power has the responsibility to lead followers in a way where they interact with one another and the leader to achieve the vision of the organization (Ivancevich et al.).

The Epistles written by Paul were letters that were meant to share the Gospel by using handwritten content. Once the messages left the hand of the writer, Paul could not change any of its content. Paul had an expectancy that more than one person would read his thoughts, as he wrote his messages to the early church in different locations. What Paul may not have expected was how the people of Corinth interpreted his letter in 1 Corinthians once received. The church was growing and subgroups developed after Paul left Corinth (Barentsen 2018). These subgroups did not experience Paul’s written message the way he hoped. Barentsen posited Paul’s letter appeared ineffective as conflict broke out after the church reviewed its contents. His leadership was questioned (Barentsen), yet through his hurt and pain, he creatively worked steadily through the situation to regain trust of his congregation once again through his subsequent writing. Overall, Paul’s work ended up being quite impactful, where he built the trust of his followers, even after his challenging past and then challenging letter. He is a good example of an authentic and transparentleader, as his values came across to his followers in his written works and still come across today. Modern leaders can look to his example and see how even the most well-intended messages are misunderstood, yet a well-intended leader knows how to recover from a setback to better relay the truth in a more creative manner.

Best Practices for Modern Leaders

The example of Paul reminds leaders of how transparency, authenticity, and value-based leading is a thing of the past that has staying power today. Reasons for business failures, such as proud leaders, scandal-based falls, limited innovation and creativity in the working environment, and neglected followers show why Paul’s example is relevant today. Paul was an involved leader who was quite thoughtful and creative in demonstrating Christianbehavior through his social outlets of writing letters. When modern leaders write social media comments or post new statuses or videos, they intend to share the information with their audience. Like Paul’s letters, once the posts or video leaves the control of the preparer, the content cannot be changed (“Think Before You…,” 2018). Even though a poster can remove the posted information, the content can be copied and shared (“Think Before You…”). Like Paul, modern leaders who use social media have an expectancy that more than one person will read their thoughts (or view their content). However, unlike Paul, if the content is not value-based, the work of the leader will not build the trust of followers. Paul had become an authentic and transparent leader, where he found roots in value-based leadership. His values came across to his followers in his written works and still comes across today. The Bible will always be relevant as the true and Holy Word of God. Christian leaders are expected to share it. If Christian leaders desire to remain consistent, transparent and authentic when using social media, then they should also consider the leadership promptings of the Beatitudes and be sure their work posted online is value-based.

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes, a portion of the famous Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:3–10 (NKJV), is another creative way to teach modern leaders how to practice transparency and authenticity in their organizations and online (Winston, 2002). If an organization has a problem that needs solving, then creativity is the solution. If a leader has issues, then the Beatitudes is the answer.

The body of statements known as the Beatitudes help bond God with His people. The statements are a wealth of resources to help build value in modern leaders who want to exhibit transparency and authenticleadership traits (Winston, 2002) while using social media as a resource. Using each of the Beatitudes as a reference, Christian leaders have a template for the desired leadership traits. As a reference, the Beatitudes are as follows (Matthew 5:3–10):

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

  • Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

  • Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

  • Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

  • Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

  • Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

  • Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

  • Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (NKJV).

Be Teachable

Matthew 5:3 listed the first beatitude, which is, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (NKJV). Winston (2002) discussed how leaders who think more of themselves than they should are not teachable. Leaders who desire the teachable status should (Winston):

  • Welcome help from others

  • Seek advice from followers

  • Think less of ‘self’ and more of others

  • Use their influence for good

  • Treat all followers equitably.

Christian leaders seek to be teachable so they will open themselves to receiving knowledge from any reputable knowledge based in Biblical principles (Winston, 2002). When seeking advice from followers, the teachable leader helps the follower feel included and worthy (Winston). Christian leaders who post content online that may not sit well with the Body of Christ should be open to receive criticism from those who deal with the output. Together, the leader and the followers can find solutions to different challenges.

de Jong and Den Hartog (2007) focused on employees working in an environment that is creative. A creative environment leads to an increase in innovation. When leaders allow employees to feel included, they tend to feel free to express new ideas and ways to make their work more beneficial. Therefore, if Christian leaders desire to be teachable, they ultimately enable followers to grow in creative spaces as free thinkers (Hatch & Cunliff, 2013) leading to innovative content to share with others.

Provide Follower Care

“Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted” (NKJV) reads from the pages of the Bible in Matthew 5:4 and helps leader evaluate how they treat their followers. Winston (2002) discussed how the mourning leader is one who cares for others as if they were mourning one who is deceased. In other words, the leader-care runs deeply. On social media, the face of people and organizations are what is viewed by followers. Some leaders with influence and status, use their platform to reach their followers and show follower-appreciation. For example, sometimes organizations and entertainers alike offer followers free tickets or products for merely being a loyal follower. People with influence show followers they care on social media, even though they may be culturally, socially, and economically far apart. As a Christian leader, follower-care is exhibited on social media by:

  • Posting encouraging videos to let followers know they are considered

  • Responding to a few followers in the comments to let them know that they are heard

  • Relating to followers with follow-up content

  • Showing respect for followers by understanding everyone online is not the same

  • Protecting followers from abusive behavior in the comment section (Winston, 2002).

The leader’s role when providing follower-care is essential to have a group of people who understand the vision of the organization.

Exhibit Controlled Discipline

Matthew 5:5 reads, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” (NKJV). Winston (2002) discussed how the follower is not the one who should remain in control; instead, leaders are responsible for remaining in control. If the leader is in control, then the follower is soon to follow. A leader exhibits controlled discipline when she is (Winston):

  • Trustworthy when recommending reading and/or posts online

  • A pillar of strength amid online chaos

  • Calm in demeanor when responding to disorderly followers

  • Operating with selfless anger when having to address follower issues.

When a leader has uncontrolled disciplineonline, they inadvertently encourage uncontrolled followerbehavior and potentially damaging results to the organization (Winston).

Seek What Is Right

Matthew 5:6 reads, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled” (NKJV). The hunger and thirst mentioned in this Beatitude do not reference actual food and drink. Instead, it references leaders who desire to do what is right for followers and the organization (Winston, 2002). A leader knows he is seeking what is right when he (Winston):

  • Acts equitable by using Scripture as guidelines for leading

  • Uses disciplinary methods that help, not hurt

  • Seeks to work with other organizations for the greater good

  • Creates atmospheres that benefit all stakeholders.

A leader should seek what is right, placing the organization and followers before himself. Humane orientation occurs when a leader has a considerable amount of concern for the well-being of his followers (Yukl, 2013). Creating humane orientationonline may seem like a hard thing to do; however, when the leader limits self-concerns and increases follower concerns, humane orientation appears. A humane-orientated environment appears when the leader is value-based, showing kindness, compassion, and love (Yukl). Humane orientation is found in the Bible when a leader uses the Beatitudes as a basis for follower treatment.

Be Merciful

The instruction to be merciful is found in Matthew 5:7, where it reads, “Blessed are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (NKJV). Winston (2002) discussed how organizational problems are primarily system based. Winston shed light on how infrequent followers are at fault when organizational challenges arise. Therefore, Christian leaders show mercy by (Winston):

  • Determining why there is an issue with a follower

  • Training followers how to act in love instead of immediately deleting them

  • Use controlled discipline instead of posting online in anger

  • Exhibit mercy to nurture innovation.

When leaders are merciful towards followers, the followers are more likely to share their problems and help solve issues (Winston, 2002), and assist with innovation. For example, a chef on Facebook used to post pictures of the food he prepared. His followers began to ask for the recipes. Some were belligerent when making their request; however, the chef did not immediately delete the disrespectful followers. Instead, he explained in a video what his vision was regarding his recipes, which was to sell a cookbook. The chef later wrote and sold a cookbook with successful sales and reviews. When new followers joined his Facebook page and asked for recipes, his loyal followers referred them to his website where they could purchase his book. When new followers posted negative comments, the chef’s loyal followers defended him. His loyal followers were some of the same people who were initially negative toward him, but due to the mercy he showed them, they later became his advocates, sending business his way.

Be Pure

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (NKJV) is found in Matthew 5:8. Being pure in the heart is recognizing the purpose of ‘self’ (Winston, 2002). The leader knows his role and understands what is required of him. A pure leader exists when he (Winston):

  • Understands who he is

  • Recognizes long-term thinking overrides short term thinking

  • Constantly reminds followers of the vision of the organization

  • Accomplishes the goal of follower comprehension of his role.

When Christian leaders are in charge, their followers should see a pure heart where they see God in the leader, and the leader’s role is not ambiguous. Moura, Orgambidez-Ramos, and Goncalves (2014) describe role ambiguity as a scenario where a follower does not understand what is going on regarding the leader or themselves. The role ambiguity causes the follower to feel stressed and unsure (Moura, Orgambidez-Ramos, & Goncalves). When the follower begins to feel stressed and uncertain, they are more likely to disengage with the leader (McCraty, Atkinson, and Tomasino, 2003). When followers start to disconnect with people of influenceonline, it indicates that they are not pleased with the efforts of the leader and desire to be in another environment or with another leader (Ivancevich, Konopaske, and Matteson, 2014).

Be a Peacemaker

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (NKJV) is the Beatitude that instructs the leader to foster an atmosphere where conflict disperses in a quick manner (Winston, 2002). That leader becomes a peacemaker (Winston), even if the conflict is virtual. The value in a peacemaker is vital; therefore, to be a peacemaker, a leader must (Winston):

  • Recognize conflict is imminent

  • De-escalate the situation quickly

  • Maintain a peaceful environment

  • Use conflict resolution models.

A peaceful atmosphere is often temporary yet is required for a leader to facilitate peace continually.

Expect Persecution

Matthew 5:10 reads, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God” (NKJV). Winston (2002) shared how others often persecute leaders who are effective at doing their job to damage performance levels of the effective leader. Loyal online followers can become disgrunted persecutors in the midst of a disagreeable situation. To address the idea of dealing with persecution as a leader, the leader should (Winston):

  • Get used to defending their position

  • Recognize Godly rules and worldly rules do not match

  • Expect resistance to leadership methods

  • Be ready for the blessing of innovation.

Winston (2002) discussed how leaders who use the Beatitudes for business matters should anticipate persecution, so it is wise for them to expect it. Winston provides the Christianleader with positive words, letting the leader know that anytime she follows the Scripture, she can expect to live an overall good life. The Christian leader can even see where Paul exhibited the characteristic of the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes as Demonstrated by Paul

In Galatians 1:12, Paul says, “For I did not receive it from a man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (NKJV). Paul implied that a human being did not teach him, so how could he be considered teachable, like expected in the Beatitudes? Winston’s (2002) expressions regarding being teachable were not limited to one component of learning. Paul said he received “…through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (NKJV). Remember his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus where he went blind (Acts 9)? Remember the three days of fasting and praying that ceased once Jesus permitted Ananias to lay hands on Paul so he could receive his sight once again? Paul used his revelatory experiences to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ so he could “think less of ‘self’ and more of others” and use his influence for good. For the rest of his life, Paul provided follower care and exhibited controlled discipline, especially after the work, beatings, and dangerous journeys he encountered along the way (2 Corinthians 11:23–29). Paul sought what was right in the faith (2 Timothy 4:7–8) and exhibited mercy towards his brothers in Christ as he viewed God’s mercy in high regard (Romans 9:15–18). Paul knew the challenges with the idea of being pure, although he made every attempt to do what was right (Philippians 3:12). DeSilva (2004) discussed how forms of peacemaking remained on Paul’s radar considering he wrote a letter to Philemon, a Christianleader, on behalf of his runaway slave, Onesimus. The desire of Paul did not focus on class or status; instead, he focused on the reconciliation of the relationship between the master and the follower (Philemon). As Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon (Philemon 12), he also sent his heart. Peace was the desire of Paul. Persecution is understood two-fold by Paul. He was once a persecutor of Christians (Acts 7) who later dealt with persecution for being a Christian (Acts 14 & 2 Corinthians 11:23–29).

Considering the content of the Beatitudes, modern Christian leaders can refer to Paul, as he exhibited transparency and authenticity. The Christian leader can hold on to the promises of the blessed statements for Godly, value-based leadership. In the online environment, the leaders can demonstrate Godly behavior to known and unknown followers.

Summary

Cultivating transparent and authenticleadership in Christian leaders is possible when the leader has a desire to do things God’s way. Transparent and authentic leadership is especially important when leaders use social media. Without social media use, Christian leaders can appear behind the times. COVID-19 showed congregants whether their churches were ready to minister full-time online when the doors of the physical church closed. Leaders who were ready to use social media during the pandemic did not impede the progress of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Further, using social media without the consideration and application of the Beatitudes as an organizational guide can hurt the leader if they do not exercise the proper control over their influence. The influence of the life of Paul is a positive example for modern leaders. Value-based leadership along with the leadership guidelines of the Beatitudes shows Christian leaders how to be transparent and authentic leaders in and out of the virtual world.