Leadership that loves

There is nothing that bothers me more than a Christian leader who does not have time to have a conversation. With eyes darting as they try to end the conversation, you feel so unimportant and unloved.

But wait, Christian leaders are very busy, and there is an unrealistic expectation that they are best friends with everyone in the congregation. So, am I being harsh? Perhaps I’m not giving much grace to our leaders. Or maybe there is a problem with the schedule that we demand from them. Could our church be making it difficult for our leaders to shepherd the sheep because we have made their job descriptions without remembering that shepherding takes time? Since congregants pay their salaries with their giving, someone needs to make sure that they are not being lazy. Right?

I have been in ministry, and I have been accused of being distant or unfriendly. I have been so busy as a worship leader that I asked people to email me about our conversation because I may not remember it. My brain space was completely full. Reflecting on that is not very pleasant. However, I was operating with a value system that told me that my priority was my performance, not relationships.

However, stepping out of ministry for a time has given me new eyes and a very different philosophy of ministry. I have started asking questions like, “What if time and priority given to investing in people makes our preaching and worship leading better?” Perhaps people learn and engage more when they are loved. Maybe they don’t mind your mistakes and failures as much when they know you care for them — the value system that emphasizes listening and quality time rather than being flashy, perfect, or slick.

On a Sunday morning before church, I want to be the kind of pastor who can say, “I’ve done my prep….my sermon is good …now re-focus on shepherding.” I want to be present with people from the moment I step into the church until I leave the building. But, I can’t be the only one that feels that way. I need to be part of a church where every staff member, Elder, and leader is prioritizing and loving every person who walks through the doors every week. Church leaders who do not know and love their people can’t help them grow in Christ.

Sounds wonderful, right? But, lets acknowledge that the kind of leadership I’m describing takes time and work.