Joe Manafo

the new economy: leadership

in my church travels i’ve sat on a number of church boards and leadership teams. there have been times when i simply watched and listened, other times where anger monopolized the agenda and even times where i walked away feeling that we were actually listening to God.

if i was a tv exec. i’d spin a reality tv show about religious, not for profit boards. it’d be a cast of characters based on my previous experiences: the rich guy who’s words carry more weight than they should; the old guy who can’t hear the comments from the other end of the table; the token woman; the guy who got voted in much to his (and everyone else’s) surprise; the guy who votes without thinking; the guy who spiritualizes everything; the power tripping pastor and maybe even the young youth guy who’s only invited to meetings when something’s going south. now that’d be quality entertainment. pass the pop corn.

in all seriousness, however, what does church leadership look like in the new economy? may i suggest a biblical reprise.

in contrast to our present image of leadership (where the leader is often served, and his/her style is often top down), when the apostle paul spoke of leadership in his writings, the image or idea of a leader always carried the overtone of servanthood - one who’s role was to spend him/herself on behalf of others. (david fitch has a great chapter on leadership in his book, the great giveaway which, incidentally, was my best read of 2005) perhaps this observation is not a new one for you, but maybe a gentle reminder that the essence of leading as a servant is not a technique to grow a church, but rather an opportunity to model a Christlike example; an opportunity to influence and nurture the body of Christ; the opportunity to work as a facilitator, connecting people with biblical purpose and passion; and perhaps even an opportunity to save our own souls…

practically speaking, the root of the question for leadership in this new economy remains: ‘who’?

here’s what i think and practice:

*invite people into positions of leadership that ooze the gift.

*pull people in who will probably benefit more from the experience than the other way around. seriously. try it.

*be on the look out and identify potential leaders.

*men and women: equals!

*live in the headspace where you’re constantly reproducing strong leaders (you never know the effect that this may have on the community, on them or where these individuals may eventually end up)

Filed by Joe at May 21st, 2007 under Rants