I'm reviewing the book 27 Tough Questions Pastors Ask by Dick Hardy. For those of you that are in church work or considering work, you should buy this book. It is filled with practical insights from a pastoral perspective. Here are my favorite snippets from chapter 2.
5 Reasons Senior Pastors Don't Lead Their Churches
...pick your time. Be wise, be deliberate, and be patient. Then confront the detractors to your leadership, and communicate clear and concise leadership. (p. 27)
The stronger the congregational form of government the harder it is for the church to grow. (-. 27).
...start communicating this to the congregation in a growth-excitement manner. Keep them fully in the loop so they feel less a sense of "we are not voting anymore" and more "we still are hearing the inside scoop on decisions." (p. 28).
You are the leader. Act like it. (p. 28).
The pastor/leader cannot be seen as a dictator; he must communicate that input is critical from staff members. However, at the end of the day, regardless of the decision or direction, the team must coalesce behind the pastor/leader. (p. 29).
Nothing is worse than no leadership from anyone. (p. 29).
Buy-in means strong staff leaders hearing, understanding, challenging, debating and owning the pastor/leader's vision or adjusted vision. (p. 30).
If the church wants to lose, then shake the dust off your feet and move on. Where the entrenchment of leadership other than the senior pastor exists, the church lacks vision. (p. 31).
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