Wesleyan Life - Spring 2009 Back to Wesleyan Life Home

Leading Your Church

By Ronald D. Kelly

A classic story tells of a pastor who often spent his day off at train yards. Everyone assumed he had a love for trains, but the pastor never offered an explanation. One day a fellow pastor asked him about this fascination, and the answer was not what was expected. The pastor’s reply was, “It’s nice to see something moving that I don’t have to push.”

Growing churches have pastors who know how to push. Leadership is essential to any church, no matter the size. Below are five key actions that can help you lead well as you pastor your church.

  • Be sensitive to God’s direction. Be sure you have prayed through the decision you feel God is asking you to make and that you’re moving the church in the direction that God wants you to go.
  • Share your dream with other dreamers. You must be able to put into words the course of action you believe the church is being called to. Dreamers catch visions and help others see it themselves. Those who adopt a dream early enthusiastically verbalize the concept to others.
  • Keep the congregation informed. Details must be communicated, including evaluative information regarding all implications if the action is taken. Whether considering the cost of a building project or the benefits of initiating a new ministry within the church, the congregation must be made aware of all details. Be sure to listen to the negative people around you to see if they see something that you haven’t yet noticed. Only proceed when you have honestly answered their objections.
  • Make sure the church has “buy-in.” The people may affirm a dream and let it die; but if they own it, they will help see it through. The congregation must own the concept and accept the risk that is involved, even if it fails. If success is the result, they will be able to embrace the church’s victory.
  • Work alongside other leaders and the congregation. A pastor must work alongside the leadership team as well as the congregation. Remember, the shepherd who does not have a support group is not leading; he is just out for a walk.

— Ronald D. Kelly, General Secretary of The Wesleyan Church and Editor of Wesleyan Life

In This Issue