Families, churches, corporations and our nation are built by leaders. If we want to change our world, we first need to support and change the skill set of our leaders.
Consider the changing roles of Pastors. Young people are called into 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 often becomes a burnout job of expectations to: define a vision, motivate and supervise a team of staff and volunteers while coordinating building projects. Then, we add administrative systems, finances, changing demographics, social media and multicultural ministries. To survive, our Pastors are stretched 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)
Leadership is encouraging and supporting your Leader.
Our future, as a Nation, as people of faith and your church is dependent on each of us. God gave you and your church the skills and spiritual gifts necessary to become healthy. Pray today about what you can do to make your family, your church and our nation healthy.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach