Leaders of the Church

I recently had an interesting conversation about leadership with a colleague. It was in connection to thinking about pastor training and how we could recognize “gaps” in our training. In many ways, the training of pastors creates a foundation, a beginning, for ministry. But as we actually begin to minister to a congregation, we learn rather quickly that there are areas of training and equipping we will continue to need to best serve the kingdom. Topics like Small Group Communication, Emotional Intellgence, and Leadership often come to mind as vital for continuing education for all pastors.

And it was at this point, my colleague made the following observation: We, as pastors, seem to have a negative view of the term leadership and leadership training for pastors is often seen with great skepticism. It was my colleague’s contention that we no longer train leaders of the church or even understand what leadership in the church really looks like.

I found this observation interesting in light of Hebrews 13. For example, in verse 7 we read: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” And then in verse 17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing, for that would be harmful to you.” There is a recognition of leadership in the early church, but there is no identification if these leaders are apostles, pastors, teachers, elders, etc. I believe that being a leader is not a calling per se, but that every congregation needs leadership.

Even though my colleague believes that leadership is seen in a negative light in our context, I believe a healthy approach to leadership and leadership training at all levels would be of great benefit for the kingdom. Leadership training is an area where both Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Commissioned Ruling Elders can learn together as pastors serving congregations within the bounds of our Synod.

The Peace of Christ Abides!

Tim Pollock

CRE Coordinator