psychology of religion and spirituality<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n2. Keywords<\/h2>\n
Spiritual Leadership Qualities Inventory, SLQI, spiritual maturity, pastoral assessment, religious leadership, psychometrics, ecclesiastical evaluation, character strengths, Christian leadership, biblical exegesis<\/p>\n
3. Authors<\/h2>\n
The Spiritual Leadership Qualities Inventory was developed primarily by Frank B. Wichern, Ph.D.<\/strong>, and John S. Townsend, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Frank B. Wichern, Ph.D.<\/strong>: Clinical psychologist and organizational consultant. During the instrument’s initial development and standard manual codification, Dr. Wichern directed research initiatives at Believer Renewal Resources in Richardson, Texas, focusing on leadership selection, psychological assessment within faith-based institutions, and pastoral care integration.<\/li>\n
- John S. Townsend, Ph.D.<\/strong>: Clinical psychologist, executive leadership coach, and organizational consultant. Dr. Townsend co-authored the empirical validation study for the SLQI and has contributed extensively to clinical integration, boundaries, and leadership psychology literature.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
4. Purpose<\/h2>\n
The primary clinical and institutional purpose of the Spiritual Leadership Qualities Inventory is to appraise character maturity, self-regulatory functioning, and ethical stability in individuals considered for lay or ordained ecclesiastical leadership roles. While secular industrial-organizational psychology relies on generalized leadership paradigms\u2014such as transformational, transactional, or servant leadership frameworks\u2014faith-based organizations frequently mandate specific characterological criteria grounded in theological orthodoxy.<\/p>\n
Historically, assessments administered to religious cohorts measured broad theological orientations (e.g., intrinsic versus extrinsic religiosity), general psychological distress (e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles among seminarians), or generic leadership capabilities lacking biblical integration. The SLQI addresses this gap by directly operationalizing the apostolic directives recorded in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Rather than functioning as a punitive diagnostic instrument, the SLQI is designed as a formative and evaluative inventory that identifies specific domains of character strength and developmental deficits.<\/p>\n
The inventory’s practical utility extends across four domains:<\/p>\n
\n- Pastoral and Lay Leader Candidacy:<\/strong> Assisting ordination committees, elder boards, and church selection teams in establishing an empirical baseline of candidate qualifications, helping avoid administrative reliance solely on subjective impressions.<\/li>\n
- Ecclesiastical Continuing Education and Mentorship:<\/strong> Guiding targeted small-group pedagogical interventions and individualized growth plans based on dimensional trait scores.<\/li>\n
- Seminary and Theological Education:<\/strong> Providing ministerial candidates with self-reflective feedback regarding personal authority, emotional regulation, and relational maturity during formative training.<\/li>\n
- Empirical Research in Personality and Religion:<\/strong> Facilitating cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations into how self-reported moral virtues correlate with psychological well-being, systemic family dynamics, and organizational leadership efficacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. Psychological Construct<\/h2>\n
The SLQI operationalizes a multidimensional construct termed biblically derived spiritual maturity<\/em>. In Christian theology, spiritual leadership is defined primarily by internalized virtues and emotional self-mastery rather than managerial acumen. The inventory assesses 19 distinct traits:<\/p>\n1. Uprightness (Dikaios)<\/h3>\n
Reflects an adherence to moral standards, equitable interpersonal treatment, and adherence to biblical norms of justice in day-to-day conduct.<\/p>\n
2. Good Reputation (Martyria Kal\u0113)<\/h3>\n
Denotes external social perception and public integrity outside the immediate ecclesiastical enclave, measuring whether the respondent maintains an honorable standing among secular peers.<\/p>\n
3. Above Reproach (Anepil\u0113mptos)<\/h3>\n
Refers to freedom from verifiable moral culpability or unaddressed ethical infractions that could expose the community to scandal.<\/p>\n
4. Respectability (Kosmios)<\/h3>\n
Captures an orderly, composed lifestyle, characterized by professional decorum, thoughtful behavioral presentation, and disciplined routine.<\/p>\n
5. Desire for Leadership (Oreg\u014d Episkop\u0113)<\/h3>\n
Assesses authentic vocational motivation and aspiration toward church leadership, differentiating between self-aggrandizing ambition and genuine willingness to shoulder pastoral burdens.<\/p>\n
6. Holiness (Hosios)<\/h3>\n
Pertains to subjective devotion, personal piety, and intentional alignment with religious disciplines, prayer, and scriptural meditation.<\/p>\n
7. Ability to Teach (Didaktikos)<\/h3>\n
Measures instructional aptitude, communicative clarity, and comfort in articulating doctrinal and ethical concepts before diverse audiences.<\/p>\n
8. Temperance (N\u0113phalios)<\/h3>\n
Operationalizes emotional sobriety, balanced cognitive appraisal, stability in decision-making, and restraint against unconsidered judgments.<\/p>\n
9. Prudence (S\u014dphr\u014dn)<\/h3>\n
Characterizes practical wisdom, sound mental judgment, discretionary foresight, and emotional discernment under pressure.<\/p>\n
10. Family Management (Proist\u0113mi Oikos)<\/h3>\n
Assesses the capacity to maintain healthy home dynamics, constructive conflict resolution within the nuclear family, and pastoral care toward children.<\/p>\n
11. Marital Fidelity (Mias Gynaikos An\u0113r)<\/h3>\n
Reflects sexual integrity, loyalty within marriage, and cognitive resistance to infidelity and pornography.<\/p>\n
12. Gentleness (Epieik\u0113s)<\/h3>\n
Measures forbearance, empathy, willingness to yield in non-essential disputes, and the conscious avoidance of authoritarian aggression.<\/p>\n
13. Items of the Scale (Questionnaire)<\/h2>\n\n
\n Below are the authentic scale items in their original language as published in the standard psychometric validation studies, without modification or translation to preserve instrument validity and reliability:\n <\/div>\n
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1<\/span><\/p>\nIf others fail to recognize how good I am, it is because of their own limitations.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2<\/span><\/p>\nI rarely find myself so overcome by emotion that I cannot meet the people I work with.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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3<\/span><\/p>\nAt times I am afraid that things I have done in the past will catch up with me.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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4<\/span><\/p>\nI have little trouble because of a guilty conscience.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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5<\/span><\/p>\nAt my work area or desk, I frequently create such a mess that I can't get anything done.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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6<\/span><\/p>\nMy will power is strong when it comes to passing up food.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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7<\/span><\/p>\nIt makes me angry when others refuse to accept my good ideas.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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8<\/span><\/p>\nIf you don't look out for yourself, nobody else will.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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9<\/span><\/p>\nThere are a few people who know things about me which if told, could cause me great embarrassment.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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10<\/span><\/p>\nI am sometimes depressed because of things that I did in my past.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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11<\/span><\/p>\nl l. I admire someone who will point out an error even though it may cost them.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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12<\/span><\/p>\nI am often bothered by feelings of guilt.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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13<\/span><\/p>\nI believe each person has complete freedom to eat, drink, or act however he wants.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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14<\/span><\/p>\nI don't mind being asked to do a humbling job which no one else will take.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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15<\/span><\/p>\nAt times I feel like swearing.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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16<\/span><\/p>\nMy conscience often bothers me with the feeling that I am not doing what I ought to be doing.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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17<\/span><\/p>\nI often laugh at a dirty joke or story just so my friends or coworkers don't think I'm stuck-up.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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18<\/span><\/p>\nIf I took a test and the grader missed a mistake I made, I wouldn't tell him.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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19<\/span><\/p>\nI believe that there is a code which demands that all men act fairly toward one another.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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20<\/span><\/p>\nIf I could get into a movie without paying and be sure I was not seen, I would probably do it.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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21<\/span><\/p>\nI usually feel irritated when I have to take orders from others.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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22<\/span><\/p>\nPeople in my community would say that I am a person with high moral values.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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23<\/span><\/p>\nAt times I feel like swearing.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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24<\/span><\/p>\nI frequently laugh at dirty jokes.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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25<\/span><\/p>\nWhat others think of me does not bother me.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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26<\/span><\/p>\nI secretly enjoy someone who is good at fooling others even if it sometimes embar\u00ad rasses them.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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27<\/span><\/p>\nMost people are too soft and if they were more critical they wouldn't get taken advan\u00ad tage of.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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28<\/span><\/p>\nI think nearly anyone would tell a lie to keep out of trouble.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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29<\/span><\/p>\nI frequently find myself going out of my way to make sure the other guy has an equal chance.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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30<\/span><\/p>\nI really enjoy a good hot argument.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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31<\/span><\/p>\nI don't enjoy conversations in which the faults or misdeeds of others are being dis\u00ad cussed.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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32<\/span><\/p>\nI secretly feel good when I learn that someone I dislike has gotten into trouble.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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33<\/span><\/p>\nSometimes when others speak too highly of an acquaintance, I try to point out his de\u00adfects.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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34<\/span><\/p>\nIf I am given the wrong change by a clerk, I usually try to return the incorrect amount.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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35<\/span><\/p>\nIf I had to choose, I would rather be spiritually close to God than be physically and emotionally close to people.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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36<\/span><\/p>\nPeople who invest their time in studying the Bible are not aware of the real problems facing man.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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37<\/span><\/p>\nI have often thought that I would like to be a leader in a local church.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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38<\/span><\/p>\nThe main purpose of man is to know God and worship Him.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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39<\/span><\/p>\nFrankly, there are so many religions and cults that I doubt if any of them are right.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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40<\/span><\/p>\nI sometimes find myself continuing a discussion just because I don't want to be wrong.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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41<\/span><\/p>\nI am not impressed by the men who lead the church I attend.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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42<\/span><\/p>\nBeing able to teach a subject well is as important as knowing that subject.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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43<\/span><\/p>\nI don't have any desire to be a church leader.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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44<\/span><\/p>\nI would rather read a good novel or a true life adventure than to read the Bible.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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45<\/span><\/p>\nI wouldn't mind being an elder or deacon if I was chosen.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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46<\/span><\/p>\nWhile I may not consistently study truths about God, I do make it a priority to seek Him.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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47<\/span><\/p>\nA regular program of Bible study should be a priority for most people.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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48<\/span><\/p>\nI would like to be an elder or deacon if chosen.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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49<\/span><\/p>\nI believe that by meditating on the Bible and praying one may know God better.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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50<\/span><\/p>\nI enjoy being able to get up in front of a group and sharing new ideas I have had.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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51<\/span><\/p>\nElders or deacons are sincere people who should be praised for their work.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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52<\/span><\/p>\nThe life of Jesus shows that all men can know God if they just look in themselves.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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53<\/span><\/p>\nSome of the greatest moments of my life have come through seeking to know God.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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54<\/span><\/p>\nTheologians have so confused people about religion that I would rather watch TV than read a religious book.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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55<\/span><\/p>\nElders or deacons are just like anyone else, only they try to look good.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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56<\/span><\/p>\nServing in activities at my church is more important than having time just for myself.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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57<\/span><\/p>\nI have made the study of the Bible and seeking God my highest priority.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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58<\/span><\/p>\nI would rather help a person grow spiritually than develop my own interests.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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59<\/span><\/p>\nI would feel good about working regularly on projects for my church.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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60<\/span><\/p>\nChristians overemphasize the abstract knowledge of God and forget to see the good in human beings.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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61<\/span><\/p>\nI am a doer, not a planner.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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62<\/span><\/p>\nPlanning ahead makes things tum out better.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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63<\/span><\/p>\nI don't easily become impatient with people.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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64<\/span><\/p>\nTalking in front of a group of people makes me very anxious.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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65<\/span><\/p>\nThe main purpose of man is to know God and worship Him.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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66<\/span><\/p>\nI am not easily swayed by others' opinions.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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67<\/span><\/p>\nI have periods of days, weeks, or months when I can't take care of things because I can't "get going."<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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68<\/span><\/p>\nI am called on by my friends in times of trouble.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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69<\/span><\/p>\nI feel I am well suited to be a leader.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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70<\/span><\/p>\nI usually have to stop and think before I act even in trifling matters.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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71<\/span><\/p>\nI have been asked to lead groups where a difficult decision had to be made.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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72<\/span><\/p>\nI do many things which I regret afterward (regret things more or more often than oth\u00ad ers seem to).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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73<\/span><\/p>\nI sometimes feel a good goal for myself would be to never have to rely on anyone for anything.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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74<\/span><\/p>\nI don't easily become impatient with people.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n 75<\/span><\/p>\n