Leadership
Brian Dodd writes: The Barna Group reported in a 2009 study that senior pastors of mainline churches have an average tenure of only four years. One of the reasons cited for such a brief stay is that while 93% of all pastors claim to be leaders, only 12% claim to have the spiritual gift of leadership. You… read more
By Rodney Cox As I travel the country and world speaking to leaders, my heart breaks hearing their stories. Division in churches has become so commonplace that those of us in ministry have either experienced a split or know someone who has. It may shock you to learn that in the U.S., 1,600 pastors are… read more
By Rodney Cox Each day, leaders have a choice: they can judge members of their team or they can value each member’s uniqueness. When a staff member regularly questions your approach, how do you respond? The choice you make determines whether your team lives or dies. Let’s check back in on Phil and Steve from… read more
By Rodney Cox If you’re a ministry leader, conflict is unavoidable. But how do you make the move from conflict to cooperation? Remember Phil (lead pastor) and Steve (executive pastor) from our previous article? Neither begins their day trying to frustrate or isolate the other. But that seems to be happening now more than ever.… read more
By Rodney Cox Even Jesus faced conflict, both internally (the disciples were experts at sniping and one-upmanship) and externally (Jewish leaders questioned Jesus’ tactics and motivation.) So when you’re challenged, confronted, opposed, pressured, or intimidated, how do you respond? Phil and Steve served together at a sizable church for years – Phil as lead pastor… read more
Who’s really in charge of your church leadership? Each church is different… and quite frankly, sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly who is in charge. Andy Hynes addresses this issue of church leadership in his excellent article titled “Who’s the Boss?” Andy writes: Is there a biblical expectation of church leadership structure? In theological circles… read more