Our families, churches, corporations and our nation is built and shaped by leaders. In order to change our world, we first need to change the skill set and effectiveness of our leaders.

Consider the changing roles of our Pastors. Young people are called to enter the Ministry. They go to Bible College and Seminary to be taught by Biblical scholars. Then, with the God given gifts of preaching and teaching, they graduate and enter their life calling. This calling fast becomes a burnout job. Our churches expect these men and women to define a vision, motivate a team of volunteers, supervise staff and coordinate building projects. Then we add administrative systems, finances, changing demographics and instant email communication while our Pastors struggle to develop multicultural ministries. To survive, our Pastors are forced to stretch way beyond their gifts, strengths and abilities.

“Our interviews with nation-wide, representative samples of Protestant Pastors consistently show that most Pastors do not even consider themselves to be leaders. Fewer than one out of every 20 pastors believes he/she has the spiritual gift of leadership. Fewer than one out of every four pastors claims to serve the church as a true leader. Most of them feel they have been called, trained and hired to preach and teach. Leadership, for most pastors, is just one of those unfortunate duties they must endure as part of the deal that allows them to do that which really turns them on-preaching and teaching.” The habits of highly effective churches by George Barna.

Paul defined a number of leadership roles and illustrated the effect of the team working together.  He called the team a body.

“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16)

Do your work, committees, assignments and budget decisions all work together to accomplish the vision of the church?

Leadership is everyone working together effectively.

As an effective member of the team, what can you do to support your Pastor today?

Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach