Being a "Leaders' Leader", Reflecting on Empowering the Leaders of Brighton First

Kay Beech of Beech Photography Studio volunteered to take pictures of women at a recent "Ladies' Night Out" at Brighton First. I've been looking at this photo that she took that evening.

Photo courtesy of
Beech Photography Studio

I have been asking myself, "Is this a leader?"

I do see a pastor when I look at the picture. I've been pastoring churches since September 1991, 24 years. I've celebrated and prayed, mourned and served with hundreds of faithful people through the years and I've been blessed. I have specific notions of what it means to live out that identity.

As a result of my coaching session with VCI coach Naomi Garcia this morning, I'm looking at this picture and asking, "I see a pastor here, but do I see a leader?" Naomi and I spent some time talking about how I might be the best leader for the leaders of this church, a "Leaders' Leader".

We first talked about leading leaders to have the most productive and effective meetings. She challenged me to think about the way I offer information before and during meetings. How is my delivery perceived by different members of a team? How might I say things to bring everyone along? Who do I need to talk to in preparation for meetings?

Another area that Naomi pushed me on was trust and delegation. I tend to want to do all the follow up when team members are assigned tasks. Naomi helped me sort out the difference between my responsibility as a pastor and as a leaders' leader. I am called to comfort and encourage as a pastor. As a leader, I am called to empower leaders to hold the members of their team accountable. 

We also spent some time talking about the spiritual accountability of the leaders of Brighton First. In some churches, the pastor and/or leadership structure outlines very specific criteria in spiritual practice that leaders are required to follow. Required spiritual practices for leaders may include membership in a small group, regular worship attendance, tithing and/or daily prayer. While I am hesitant to call for specific spiritual practices to be a leader at Brighton First, I do understand the importance of being engaged in growing in the faith for every Christian.

I believe that each person's spiritual practices need to fit with their character and their style preferences. And whatever those spiritual practices are, the intention in observing them is to always be moving into deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

With Naomi's thoughtful questioning, I've decided to take on the task of spiritual leader to the leaders, by establishing individual baselines. That means that in the coming months, I have personal conversations with all leaders about their spiritual lives. My hope is to pray with them and offer resources and encouragement to continue growing in faith. And then, as the months go on to do regular check in.

By God's grace, these steps will not only strengthen my leadership at Brighton First, but will strengthen leaders for the ministry ahead.