True Life Church
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True Life Church |
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Leadership
Leadership/Administration
What leadership style do you have? Are you casual, autocratic, consensus based, micromanage, etc? My leadership style varies depending upon the personality of the individual leader or group with which I am working and their maturity, capability and commitment. The leadership styles I use most frequently are: Visionary: With the visionary leadership approach, I communicate the mission, vision and general strategy to the group or individual leader who demonstrate a high degree of maturity, capability and commitment. I delegate authority to the group or leader, allowing them to determine an appropriate course of action. I will periodically review the mission or vision with the group or leader to keep them on track and focused. After discussing the vision and goals with the group or leader, they decide how best to implement the plans within the vision I have presented. Participative: This style of leadership allows me to delegate responsibility and authority in decision making to other team members. With this approach I explain the problem or objective and then define the boundaries within which the group may decide. When I use this style of leadership, regular reporting by the team member is used to assist them in maintaining their focus. The team member’s maturity, capability and commitment will determine how often reporting will occur. Hands-off: I use this approach on the occasion where failure will not cause serious problems for the individual or the church, or when failure will make the individual more willing to accept correction and instruction. When using this approach I allow the leader or group to determine the plan or task without direct oversight or reporting. This style is best used when the person or group displays a high level of maturity, capability and commitment and has a proven record of success and completion. This style works best when I am confident in the leader or group’s ability to make right decisions.
How do you get the most out of the people under you? I have found that people are most effective when you help them to achieve success. When they know you are interested in what’s going on in their life and ministry, they are willing to give a greater effort for the whole team. People want and need to feel wanted, needed and appreciated. When we acknowledge and recognize their abilities, talents and efforts, they enjoy being a part of the team. Then when they have consistently done a good job, we recognize and reward their efforts. This can be done by publicly acknowledging their achievements or other forms of special recognition.
How do you manage full-time staff and part-time individuals working in the church? If you attempt to lead everyone in the same manner, you will disenfranchise one or more in the process. I believe in helping volunteers, leaders and staff to recognize and develop their God-given purpose and then release them to fulfill that purpose. The following is my personal life vision. It will help you understand my purpose in life. My vision is “to devote my life to help people discover and develop their gifts, talents, and abilities, enabling them to live their purpose and fulfill their destiny by impacting and transforming those they influence with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ”. My reward as a pastor comes when I see people released to do what God has called them to do and they do it with success. I want to see leaders equipped and trained to the place where I can delegate responsibilities and then merely oversee their efforts. I have an open door policy for leadership where they know I am available for them if there is a need, question or problem they wish to discuss. When the leaders and staff succeed, we all succeed.
What is the relationship of the senior pastor to the Elder Board? The elders, along with the pastor work together as a team to spiritually oversee and guide the ministry of the church. The pastor is scripturally the senior or chief elder among the elders. According to Acts 15:6 we see the apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to discuss a doctrinal issue. After the discussion is complete James, chief elder and pastor of the church in Jerusalem, stood up and made the final decision based on the discussion by the apostles and elders and his interpretation of the scripture. This is the example and guideline used today by those who follow the elder principle.
What is the role of an Elder within the church? The role of elders is very important for the spiritual oversight of the church. The elders, along with the pastor who by position is the chief elder, work together as a team to spiritually oversee, shepherd and guide the ministry of the church. We first see the appointment of elders in the church in Acts 14:23 where Paul and Barnabas appoint elders to continue to pastor the local church. Elders are a vital part of successfully shepherding the church. They are involved in teaching, overseeing departments, discussing doctrine and sharing the vision with the people.
In what ways can leaders best communicate their vision for the church? Through the spoken word by the pastor and demonstrated by the words and actions of the leaders. The pastor must be the visionary of the church, casting the vision for the whole church so the people have a clear understanding. This vision, contrary to popular belief, takes time to recognize and develop. The development and the implementation of the vision is best accomplished by the leaders of the church working together to recognize the goals and heart of the church.
What functions of ministry do you believe are essential to leadership and pastoral effectiveness.
1. Preaching: Preparing and delivering of clear and convincing sermons that help hearers grow in the knowledge of God and apply His word to their daily lives. 2. Worship: Planning and designing worship experiences that lead the congregation to express praise, gratitude, devotion, and service to God. 3. Teaching: Instructing the believer from the basics to the more mature things of God. The teacher uses unique and creative methods to help the student learn and apply the Word of God. 4. Evangelism: Communicating God’s good news about Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit, in ways that are relevant to the hearers with the intent that people embrace Jesus as their Savior and Lord. 5. Pastoral Care: Exhibiting a “shepherd’s hearts”, showing by word, action, and presence an understanding of people and their needs, and providing assistance when appropriate and feasible. 6. Visitation: Being among the people, members and nonmembers alike in their home and work settings, to develop relationships and meet needs. 7. Equipping: Encouraging, training, and mobilizing people in their gifts and talents for ministry in the context of daily living and the church. 8. Leadership Development: Recognizing leadership potential in others and providing opportunities for developing those leadership skills. 9. Counseling: Providing constructive help personally or by directing those in need to specialized, trained professionals or other care-givers. 10. Administration: Managing the church’s day-to-day operations as well as the human and financial resources. 11. Vision Casting: Communicating a vision of what the people or congregation can achieve, and then setting goals accordingly. 12. Planning: Establish strategies and action plans to accomplish agreed-upon goals for furthering the kingdom of God. 13. Motivating: Sharing dreams, goals, and plans in such a way that people want to be personally involved. 14. Evaluating: Engaging in the process of comparing what is, with what ought to be, for the purpose of determining direction for ministry or areas for improvement. 15. Conflict Management: Managing or resolving opposition occurring as a result of differing viewpoints.
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