a sideline report on leadership
Below is a list I’ve compiled over the last year and a half that I’ve not held an “official, full-time” leadership position in a church. As I’ve rested eagerly on the sidelines, God has taught me a lot about leading people as I’ve reflected on things I’ve done well in the past and things I need to work on, should I ever be “back in the game.” I’ve also had the opportunity as an aspiring leader to observe other leaders and the way they lead people. My observations come from multiple different leaders and multiple different settings, including myself.
Invest: The idea behind investing is to sacrifice a little now for a greater return later. In this instance, I’m talking about the church investing in people. ”Discipleship” or “mentoring,” whatever you want to call it, takes a lot of time and a lot of resources. But this is probably the single most important thing for a ministry, it builds depth and a foundation. In fact, as Christians, it’s what we’re called to do–make disciples. Take the time to pour into people what God has taught you, take the money to meet with people over food (it’s where great conversation happens) and pay for things that encourage and refine their gifts and talents like music lessons, retreats, conferences, an accounting class, etc. If we make these initial small investments that yes, may be sacrifices, there will be a greater return for the Kingdom later.
To conclude this idea, I may need to step-up on my soapbox…take it or leave it. I’ve been part of churches that pay musicians to play on Sunday mornings. I’m talking about bringing in musicians fore the sole purpose of filling the holes in the band. I’ve been on the receiving end of this and I consider it a blessing every time. But I’m not sure that it’s the wisest investment for the church to make in people when that musician only comes to collect a pay check and is not part of the community. Take that cash and invest it in somebody who is part of the community that may be “just okay” at playing drums, guitar or piano and pay for their lessons. Eventually, that person will be proficient enough to sit in on a more permanent basis. I think this principle probably applies to a lot of different areas or holes we try to fill by “bringing in the professionals.”
Empower: As you plan, create, build and execute along with being faithful to the “everyday” tasks, your time is stretched thinner and thinner as ministry continues. You can’t do it all! Also, to instill a bit of humility, some of the things you’re doing now–others can do much better. Fortunately, the Church is made up of many people with many different gifts and talents. Believe it or not, there are people out there that love doing the things you hate doing. Empowering also gives ownership and when you give ownership the ministry/church moves from being your thing to our thing. People tend to be much more excited and on-board about our thing. Quit maintaining the sub-par and let others own it and make it extraordinary!
Accountability: This is a two-way street. Not only should you be accountable for your words and actions to the people you’re leading but they should be accountable to you too. In a church, I know volunteers aren’t paid but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be held accountable for the things they’ve committed to or their words and actions. I’ve seen a lot of leaders (myself included) settle for let-downs and let things that were promised slip by. Lead by example, ask the hard questions, hold people to their word. Most people will appreciate it and it will sharpen the Church.
Be available: First, let me explain what this doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean to let the church and people run your life. There’s a song out there by a band called Arcade Fire that sings, “Working for the church ’til your family dies.” That is not at all what I’m presenting! What I am saying is that most people aren’t available during the weekdays between the hours of 9am-5pm. The nice thing about most ministry positions is that they’re pretty flexible. Structure some of your hours during the week where you’re around when people are available. Go in late that day or take the afternoon off, carve out an evening or two that you can simply be available to be with people when they’re available.
Listen: I’ve heard it said this way, “You’re only a leader if people are following.” Makes sense right? But how is a leader to lead if they don’t know who they’re leading? Sure, you can have a vision “to go” somewhere but knowing the context of the people you’re leading establishes the “how” you’ll get there. And the only way to know who you’re leading is by listening…otherwise, there won’t be anybody following therefore, nullifying you as a leader. What are you listening for? You’re listening for the pain, let-downs, confusion, hopes, desires and what God is ultimately saying and doing among the people you’re leading.
**The real reason I’m writing this is for me to remember but I thought it may be of interest to somebody else and may be a tool useful to sharpen leaders in the church.
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