Part of the revitalization process according the seminar of last Saturday is encouraging the right type of leader for your church. (This is the seminar created and sponsored by our beloved denomination.) In their construct of the universe there are two types of leaders, the Catalyzer and the Stablilizer. Dr. John Wenrich, the presenter was careful to indicate that both are necessary but that we have in our history more often rewarded the Stabilizer and punished the Catalyzer.
That has to change according to the research. The culture and climate today requires the boldness and risk taking orientation of the Catalyzer. Given the entrepreneurial attitudes of our current society we need the fast and furious characters, the hard charging, conflict creating, rock the boat personalities to move us ahead. Those people need to be encouraged, championed and celebrated. Great, go for it. just one little hitch...
I, like most of my comrades in ministry, were trained to be Stabilizers. We were encourage not to rock the boat, not create conflict, not let the prophetic over rule our priestly calling. Bulldozers were given a wide berth and maybe not a second call if things fell part in their congregation. We were to build relationships even if it was at the cost of mission. That was not overtly indicated but the message got through. The church was not business and those "secular" tactics were to avoided.
That day has changed. So the question is can we change with it, can we (I) make the needed adjustments, and who will help us turn that corner? I have been in the ministry for 27 years. If churches change slowly, can you imagine changing their pastors? I read business and leadership material. Jim Collins is one of those I have devoured. Fast Company is one of my favorite magazines, I attend the Leadership Summit. Are there the resources and mentors to help us who have grooved a behavior for so long take the steps needed? Will there be the patience required of those in authority in our churches and in the denominational offices?
And what of those who cannot make the jump? Of course you are not guaranteed a position in the church. That is understood. But these are men and women who have given their best efforts for the kingdom, how do we care for them? It may be that they are necessary, but will we still see that? Revitaliztion has to happen. It has been on the back burner for too long. The steps our tribe is taking are the right ones. But we still need to move forward with grace and wisdom.
3 comments:
Shift happens: Swedish to English, rural to urban, typewriter to computer, flannel graph to powerpoint. We need to boldly and gently deal with it.
Now it is our turn
I've clearly seen the dangers in both circumstances and have to believe for the sake of the church's survival and authenticity that there must be a balance. We read a great book in seminary last summer called, "The Mosaic of Christian Belief" by Olson. It dealt with doctrine rather than programming or leadership styles but the dominant point impacts both. We need to move from an "either/or" mentality to "both/and". The key will be to develop leaders that can delicately bring together the minds and passions of individuals in an open atmosphere towards that goal ... no easy task.
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