Empowering Followers in the Politics of Spiritual Leadership: A Narrative Critical Study of 1 Samuel 1:1–28

This paper argues that spiritual leadership is a unique model, where followers as well as leaders become connected and committed to the group’s wellbeing through a Spirit-filled way of living for positive transformation. The theories on spiritual leadership, thus, should not only be on functional leaders but also on followers who provide an essential motivation to rediscover life-filled pathways that are fulfilling for the group. In this light, the follower who identifies a need, bonds to it, and shares the burden to fulfil the need qualifies to be a spiritual leader. Such a person is one who is empowered by the Holy Spirit to become connected and committed to the network to drive the goals of the organization and initiate moves for positive transformation. The paper uses a narrative critical reading of Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1:1–28 to support the argument that some followers play key roles as spiritual leaders.