Adaptive Leadership for Wesleyan Pastors in an Era of Change
In a time of rapid cultural shifts, declining denominational loyalty, and increasing polarization, Wesleyan pastors must navigate complex challenges. Traditional leadership approaches may no longer suffice. Championed in books like Canoeing the Mountains authored by Tod Bolsinger, Quietly Courageous by Gil Rendle, Missional Leadership penned by Alan Roxburgh & Fred Romanuk, alongside the pioneering work of Ronald Heifetz’s Leadership without easy answers, Adaptive Leadership lays out a biblical and strategic framework for leading during times of uncertainty. Here are five key principles to help you thrive:
- Embrace the Unexpected. Lewis and Clark expected to navigate familiar waterways to the Pacific during their expedition. Instead of the expected route, however, the explorers encountered uncharted mountains. Not unlike Lewis and Clark, pastors must embrace today’s challenges and understand that said challenges require new approaches. Adaptive leadership calls for learning and discovery rather than simply re-applying past strategies.
Key Question: How can I shift from leading with certainty to leading with curiosity?
- Differentiate Between Technical and Adaptive Challenges. Technical problems have clear solutions while adaptive challenges require fundamental transformation. For example, declining attendance is not just a technical issue (resolved with new programs) but an adaptive one which requires cultural shifts in discipleship and outreach.
Key Question: Am I addressing surface-level problems, or am I leading transformational change?
- Regulate the Heat Heifetz emphasizes that leaders must create enough tension to inspire change without overwhelming those they lead. Insufficient pressure leads to complacency, while too much pressure gives rise to resistance. Pastors must discern how to challenge their congregations while maintaining trust.
Key Question: How can I lovingly challenge my church to grow while providing stability?
- Lead with Purpose, Not Just Programs Rendle urges leaders to focus on purpose over institutional preservation. Adaptive leadership prioritizes kingdom mission over maintaining outdated structures. Instead of asking how to get people back in the pews, ask how to make disciples in new contexts.
Key Question: Is my leadership driven by mission or maintenance?
- Model Resilience and Trust in God Adaptive leadership is spiritually demanding. It requires faith, resilience, and a willingness to be vulnerable. Pastors must cultivate a deep reliance on God’s guidance and model that trust for their congregations.
Key Question: How am I nurturing my own spiritual resilience as I lead others?
In this era of discontinuous, disruptive change, adaptive leadership isn’t just an option—it’s essential. As you navigate these uncharted waters, may you lead with courage, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to God’s mission.
For more information on the resources in this Thrive in Five, see the following:
References
Bolsinger, Tod. Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in the Wilds of a Changing World. InterVarsity Press, 2015.
Rendle, Gil. Quietly Courageous: Leading Change Without Making Noise. Alban Institute, 2019.
Roxburgh, Alan J., and Fred Romanuk. Missional Leadership: Moving from Program to Incarnation. Jossey-Bass, 2009.
Heifetz, Ronald A. Leadership Without Easy Answers. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1994.
Relational contributor: Dr. Eric Hallet, District Superintendent Central Canada
Executive editor: Johanna Chacon Rugh
Curator of content: Carla Working
