There’s a leadership virus going on in churches. It spreads some damagingly false information about what leadership is and what leadership does. The powerful pathogen goes like this:
I’m afraid of coming across as demanding or controlling.
What does this mean? If I’m too forceful as a leader then I would put off and upset some people, perhaps even alienate some and because of that a) they may not like me b) they may leave and c) I wouldn’t be able to be a good pastor to them in the future.
So what is the “safe” (and mistaken) alternative?
To endeavor to be “pastoral” in your leadership style, i.e. more caring, passive, or accommodating, more servant hearted, more supportive of their view, less opinionated, etc. All the while trying to just focus on “pastoral” duties all the more.
What are the unintended consequences?
The church seems to lack direction or momentum. It bumps along from season to season, activity to activity and one idea to the next with no cohesive thought. The loudest (or angriest) voice in the room often gets their way, even if it is from left field. The pastoral leader gets frustrated at the decisions that often take place. The leader may even feel like leaving or quitting but often they simply retreat once again to their pastoral duties of preaching and teaching. They try to dismiss the frustrations that happen with the church council or elders or voter’s meeting. Sometimes they react by snapping at others but more likely they snap at the family dog (or worse).
What does the pastoral leader (mistakenly) say to themselves?
I’m just here to preach and teach and care for the flock. If things don’t go well, it’s not my fault. I’m operating with a servant leadership model and try to lift up the ministry of the laity in this way. I ask them what “they” want and keep my opinion to myself. I better not say anything or someone will “bite my head off” and I’ll regret what I said. I’ve got enough scars. Besides, leadership and pastoring is not compatible.
Does any of this sound familiar? We often think the most common leadership flaw or error is a controlling or a manipulative leader. But it’s probably the passive leader that is the most common problem. This is when the so-called leader just goes along to get along while telling themselves that leadership is incompatible with being pastoral.
But there are some serious flaws in this thinking!
First, we don’t find our worth in our work or what people say. We find our worth in Christ. So, we don’t change what we say or do in order to be liked. We behave in a way that is consistent with the gospel. Sometimes that can be unexpectedly gracious and sometimes it can be interpreted as inflexible and seriously upsetting to people.
Secondly, leadership is completely compatible with being pastoral! A Christian pastor stands for something. Not just doctrine, but also practice and priorities. That is leadership. It speaks and also exemplifies what is important. To simply be passive and withdraw from the conversation or make choices that appease even though it may contrary to the gospel priorities is the opposite of pastoral and it certainly isn't leadership.
So what do I do?
- Find your voice. What are your non-negotiables? What do you truly value because of the gospel? When do you need to speak up instead of being passive? Now, determine to speak that truth to people formally and informally. Find a few phrases that capture this for you. For example: “We want to prioritize caring for people, whether they are members or not.” “God wants us to make disciples of all nations.” “We want to enable everyone to find a way to serve God according to their giftedness.” “We want to be salt and light to our neighborhood” Then follow up by asking, “How can we do that in this case?”
- Behave and live your choices in ways that are consistent with what you say is important. That may mean not attending one thing in order to do something else. But don’t just do it and be a jerk about it. Explain and be gracious about it before, during and afterward. If you have found your voice and you calmly and patiently speak your priorities clearly and often, people will know and understand and support you.
What will be the results (intended consequences)?
- More productivity, less controlling
- More intentionality, less drifting
- More empowered people, less exhaustion for the pastoral leader.
- More joy and less frustration
- More people in serving, less exceptions running the agenda
Who can you talk to about this change for you?
A coach may be a great option
Scott Gress is called by Lutheran Counseling Services and partners with the FL-GA District of the Lutheran Church as an independent contractor. He specializes in Leadership Training, Consulting, Coaching and Coach Training. Contact Scott to continue the conversation or experience a free sample coaching session. 561-542-4472, scottgress@me.com or scottgress.com
"Helping leaders be more productive - less controlling"
Awesome! At the seminary, I was not taught to “find my own voice.”