Introduction

The Institute of Leadership and Ethics (ILE) was founded in early 2008, with the vision to provide an opportunity to Christians in the Brussels region to engage on key issues of leadership and ethics. ILE was established as part of the ETF (Evangelische Theological Faculteit) in Leuven thereby ensuring a deep biblical foundation, quality teaching and provision of practical resources. The ILE exists to help equip Christians to make a difference in the World in which we all live.

What is the work of the ILE?

The ILE works in three areas- teaching, research and the provision of services to the local community. Teaching is provided as part of the ETF’s Masters Program in “Models of Christian Leadership” and “Contemporary Issues in Christian Ethics”.

Research takes place within the context of the Masters program and also through the establishment of specific Ph.D. research. In particular the ILE encourages interdisciplinary research that integrates Christian ethics and theology with leadership and management studies. Some examples are:

• Leadership theory and the integration with a Christian worldview.
• Moral values and ethical leadership
• Business ethics
• Authority and influence in organizational leadership
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Christian ethics
• Peacemaking (Christian conflict management)
• Spiritual formation and leadership
• Integration of leadership studies and ministerial leadership
• Non-profit management of Christian organizations

The services provided to the local community have to date focused on seminars and workshops held at the ETF. Amongst others, speakers have included,

Rev. Dr. Richard Higginson, Director of Faith in Business at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He spoke on “Leading with Integrity.  Why living virtuously matters in leadership”.

Dr Dr Volker Kessler, Director of Akadamie für Christliche Führungskräfte, Gummersbach, Germany, who spoke on the subject of Leadership and Power.

Mr. Gary Harpst, CEO Six Disciplines, who led a one day workshop on “Six Disciplines for Excellence”, followed by a breakfast seminar in concert with Professor Patrick Nullens on the theme of the role of the church in the global financial crisis.

Mr. Paul Valler, previously Finance and Human Resources Director, Hewlett Packard, led a breakfast seminar based on his book “Get a Life” covering issues of work-life balance.

Dr Bill Bolton, Founding Director of St.John’s Innovation Centre, Cambridge, spoke on the subject “Seizing Opportunities in Challenging Times” based on his book “The Entrepreneur and the Church”.

In 2010, ILE’s programme currently includes a breakfast seminar by Professor Patrick Nullens on “Lessons from the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” and a workshop on life-long learning by Rev Canon Dr Gary Wilton, the Church of England’s representative to the European Institutions.

Furthermore from 2010 onwards the ILE will also look to provide services at locations other than the ETF. It has always been the intent of the ILE to work closely with and support the churches in the Brussels area and around. Recognizing that the location of the ETF might restrict access, from 2010 onwards the ILE will also offer to these churches evening and weekend workshops / seminars on the subject of leadership and ethics. Specific content and timings will be jointly agreed with the church leaders.

The ILE Steering Committee

Patrick Nullens (Ph.D) is professor of Christian Ethics and Rector of the ETF.  He is convinced of the importance of theology in practice. Therefore, he regularly preaches in both the Netherlands and Belgium  and he gives lectures at conferences

Pim Boven studied business economics at the University of Groningen (NL) and worked in various management positions in banking. Today he is Finance Director of the ETF and  co-founder of the Institute for Leadership and Ethics at the ETF. He is also an elder in a local congregation.

Chris Start - is a member of St.Paul’s Anglican Church in Tervuren. Following a 25 year career in Marketing and General Management with Procter & Gamble he now runs his own Coaching and Consulting company, Start Development bvba.

John Walker – is a member of St.Paul’s Anglican Church in Tervuren. Recently retired, he was previously a Director of Global R&D for Procter and Gamble.

David Sayers - secretary of the ILE- recently retired as a business manager with Monsanto and Solutia, now a business coach and mentor working closely with the Anglican Church in Belgium.