Leading newhope pastors and staff...

As I write, I am surrounded by the newhope pastors and about 15 other amazing newhope leaders. We are attending the Maxwell Leadership Simulcast today. Instead of taking notes from this particular speaker :>), I am sitting here thinking about the responsibility I have to lead these pastors and lead them well. I am incredibly humbled and thankful for the opportunity to lead this team. I often get asked by other pastors, how do you lead your team? What do you expect of those who work for newhope?

Here are some things you might appreciate knowing about the pastors and support staff of this church and how I lead them:

1. I expect all pastors and staff to obey the greatest commandment of God, namely to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and soul. It is my responsibility
to make sure they remain grafted into the vine and bear much fruit. John Wesley, an 18th century reformer, used to ask his pastors, “How is it with your soul?” This question requires ruthless self-inventory. That question demands an analysis revealing the truth about your own spiritual reality. Anyone engaged in healthy living knows Wesley was right to insist the condition of our souls determine the faithfulness and impact, or lack thereof, of our ministries. Even if you are not a pastor or church staff person, let me ask you, "How is it with your soul?"

2. I am passionate about marriage and family and expect the same from those that work at newhope. I want the pastors to know I can replace each of them BUT their wives/husbands/children CANNOT replace them. I want people to date their mates. Convinced quality time is the result of quantity time, I want people to make lots of time for family. If you are married, no one is more important than your spouse. If you are a parent, you are required to make the decisions that are best for your family. I expect my staff to get their priorities right: God first, spouse second, family next, and then ministry/church…

3. Having written #'s 1, 2, and 3 - you need to know I expect the pastors/staff of newhope to work really hard and offer ministry that is excellent. I expect them to deliver their best ministry effort and add value to our team and the teams they lead. They need to be positive team players who are solution-oriented. I expect faith based ministry that depends solely on the power of God. In the words of Mark Beeson, "Pastors need to play well in the sandbox with others, complement the efforts of their teammates, and help build a healthy church." It is one thing to work hard, but it is another to work hard and offer excellent ministry opportunities and environments. Always remember, leaders are NOT people who always do things right. Leaders are people who do the right things!

4. For them to accomplish #3, I’m responsible to provide a context where high capacity leaders can soar. This morning, John Maxwell talked about the difference between ducks and eagles. The goal of a duck is to waddle around and float in a pond. Eagles, on the other hand, are created by God to soar! It is my job to equip and encourage the pastors and staff of newhope to soar to higher heights for the glory and honor of God! Great leaders deserve enormous opportunity. It is my job to provide those opportunities. If I fail them, I fail the people they lead; failing them weakens the church. As such, I am accountable to God.

5. I need to provide the pastors/staff of this church with ample vacation time, abundant continuing education line items and book allowances, AND EXPECT THEM TO USE ALL OF IT!


Of course, there is a lot more to leading leaders, but there is a quick stab. I have to go, Andy Stanley is getting ready to speak and I love that dude.

If you are leader out there, I hope this information helps you lead those who report to you. If you are a newhoper, I hope this helps you understand how I lead our team. I also hope this helps you remember how blessed we are with the pastors/staff of our church. Trust me - WE ARE SO BLESSED WITH AWESOME PASTORS AND SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS. (BTW - nothing thrills me more than hearing about newhopers loving on and encouraging the pastors and staff members of this church) If you are a newhope pastor or staff member, we will discuss this next Tuesday. I want to honestly hear how you think I am doing leading you? I also want to know from you, "How is it with your soul?" How is it with your family? How is it with your ministry?" It will be a great discussion.

As always, I covet your prayers...