If You Lead, They Will Follow

By Mike Wuehler

 

In the February issue of the Southeast District News I introduced a document developed by the Cabinet titled “Characteristics of Pastoral Leadership – Minnesota Annual Conference. This month I continue to talk about another characteristic taken from the document:

 

“Effective leadership skills: Thinks and works organizationally by creating, managing and navigating systems; developing and implementing strategic ministry plans; building teams and influencing others to achieve common goals; initiating change and managing conflict so as to increase a congregation’s capacity for change and ability to address adaptive challenges; and adjusting their leadership style to fit the context.”

 

Leadership is essential in the church.  Casting visions, creating a Missional Purpose and training Lay Leaders is an expected part of a pastor’s duties in the church of today.  We are looking for pastors who are able to lead congregations through change for the clear purpose of connecting the church to the community and world around it.  Leadership is also essential for growing the church and disciple making process.  In short, without leadership, we are left to chance.

 

While leadership may be the primary calling of the clergy of today, most are not prepared for the demands of leading a congregation through change into growth.  We do not exit seminary and enter ministry with a skill set that revolves around leadership.  For the most part, clergy are better trained to maintain congregations rather than lead congregations.  We tend to be ordained managers rather than called leaders.

 

Leadership is an essential skill that must be learned, refined, and updated by every clergy serving a church today.  Most of the challenges faced by clergy today stem around leadership issues. Most of the problems faced in current appointments stem from the lack of leadership.  Some people are natural leaders.  The Harvard Business Review would put about five percent of the population in the category of a person that instinctually knows how to lead people.  Most leaders need to be trained and developed in leadership roles.

 

I would strongly encourage you to make leadership development part of your ongoing education.  If we expect congregations to follow us, we need to know how to lead.

 

Blessings,

Mike Wuehler

SE District Office - MN Annual Conference UMC

SE District News

June 2007

Published monthly for the leadership of the United Methodist Churches in the SE District of Minnesota

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