What Kind of Pastor are You?
- Posted on October 31, 2004
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- (23) comments
You want things to happen, but don't believe you have the time to hold every church member's hand and teach them how to do the job properly.
You may even say, If I have to take the time to show these people how to do this, I might as well do it myself, because doing it will take a fraction of the time teaching it will.
The trouble with this thinking is, by not taking the time to teach the people how to perform the task or ministry to acceptable standards, you're going to have to do the job forever. Think: short term pain for long term gain.
Yes, it may take repeating the instructions several times, or modifying the procedure the people use to accomplish the ministry before the outcome meets your expectations. But look at the big picture. Once one person gets it they'll be able to teach it to the next person, freeing you up even further.
2. The My Way is the Only Way Pastor
You micro manage your staff and congregation, making sure they do things exactly the way you want them done every step of the way.
You believe you've worked all the bugs out and found the perfect method for accomplishing the desired result. And maybe you have. Maybe you've spent years and mega dollars perfecting your methods.
If this is the case, explain the process you went through to develop your system. Explain why you insist on your method being followed to the letter. Most people will respect this once they understand it.
If, on the other hand, you are convinced your way is the best way just because that's the way you've always done it, prepare to be astounded once you loosen the reins a bit.
It can be much more effective and efficient to explain to a person what end result you expect (quality, quantity), what restrictions they must deal with (time or budget), and then leave them to do the job.
It's always a good idea to set up frequent check-in points to reassure yourself that the job is on target or to deal with any problems that may have come up.
3. The You're on Your Own Pastor
The opposite of the My Way is the Only Way pastor, your staff and church may feel they have no idea what it is you expect until it's too late.
You assign tasks or projects, but your people just don't have enough direction to accomplish them to the standards you expect. They may feel incompetent when they have to ask you for more details or instruction.
If you have any inkling this may describe you, the solution may be to make sure the outcomes are clear. Give them ample opportunity to clarify what procedures they'll use, what standards must be met and any other requirements such as budget or timelines.
Set up check-in meetings along the way and let your people know either where to get additional information or when it's convenient for them to get any further clarification they may need from you, once they begin the project or task.
This is especially important when you assign a task to a new person or assign something unusual to an experienced team member.
4. The Seagull Pastor
You guessed it! This pastor flies in squawking, poops all over everybody and then flies off again, often still squawking about something.
Think about it. Do you believe no news is good news? Do you notice only the bad things your staff and church members do? Do you wonder why nobody ever seems to take any initiative?
Staff and church members do need to be corrected. Privately, immediately, and humanely. They also need praise when they've done a good job. Publicly, immediately, and with passion. What you focus on, grows!
Fear is a huge demotivator. When people know the pastor cares about them, and will treat them fairly, they're much more likely to perform well and take innovative risks.
Well... there you have it... What kind of pastor are you? Does this help you at all to clarify where you are at? Do pointing out these 'don'ts' help you know better what you need to 'do' this week? I'd love to hear your comments. Please click the comments link below.
And you can read all of Ruby's writing on this subject (without my modifications!) here.
I read an interesting article this week by Ruby Curran discussing different types of bosses. I think what Ruby has to say also fits well for different type of pastors. The ideal pastor inspires their people to achieve and produce exceptional results for the Kingdom every day. Sometimes when we look at the don’ts, the do’s become more obvious. Here are some highlights from this article, which I’ve re-written somewhat, specifically for pastors. Take an open, honest look at these four less-than-ideal types of pastors and you may find ways to begin to become the pastor you’d really like to be…
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Comments
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Jeff on Tue, November 02, 2004
Pastor Appreciation Month was in October. Thanks for not dropping this wonderful message on us then. The negativity of your thoughts is deafening. Some positive as well as constructive premise would have been enlightening. No one on our staff has all these issues but they sure have many positive attributes that make them valuable to the kingdom and to our people. Please try to be more positive next time you decide to write such an article for print.
Todd Rhoades on Tue, November 02, 2004
Jeff wrote, “The negativity of your thoughts is deafening. Some positive as well as constructive premise would have been enlightening.”
Hey everyone… Todd here again.
Boy, I’ve taken some heat from this one. First of all, remember, I didn’t write this article. Secondly, the article clearly states:
Sometimes when we look at the don’ts, the do’s become more obvious.
It was written from this slant on purpose, saying that by looking at some of the habits that pastors and leaders get stuck in, we can better find out how we need to be better. I, for one, think that has value.
I’ve noticed in the last month, that while some pastors have a tendancy to complain how bad and mistreated they have been by their congregation, they are so very willing to dish the same out to other colleagues at the drop of a hat. It’s kind of like having a bad day at the office and then going home and kicking the cat.
Why would anyone think that this forum or blog would put out something that was only meant to demean pastors; or something that was only out to show pastors in a negative light? Sometimes I think we need to stop taking ourselves so seriously; and open our eyes that we may all have some areas to improve upon. Perhaps this is the same problem that leads to much of our conflict on the job.
It’s early, and I’m just blathering (probably). My personality may just be a little different than some. I love to read a piece like this; take a deep breath; and then think. Think about how this affects me; think about what might be true in this piece; and think about some things that I might want to change. Honestly, the article I enjoy reading the most many times is one that I don’t necessarily agree with; but one that makes me think; and makes me sharpen my own views on ministry. This article did that for me. I’m sorry so many only saw the negative.
Have a great day!
Todd
Bernie Dehler on Tue, November 02, 2004
Todd says:
“My personality may just be a little different than some.”
That’s also another element. Anyone who is a leader will take flak. It’s part of the job. Even if a job is done perfectly, you’ll still get flak, just as someone wrote that if our Lord Jesus were the Pastor, people would have negative things to say (the “Pharisee” group, for one). The key is to always be willing to take criticism and learn from it (if needed), no matter the source (friend or foe). The “back-slappers” have nothing to teach to a leader.
Having just taken a leadership class, this stuff is all fresh on my mind. I’m surprised at how so many issues on this blog directly relate to leadership, and leadership styles.
...Bernie
http://www.FreeGoodNews.com
Bob AuBuchon on Thu, November 04, 2004
Todd said ... I love to read a piece like this; take a deep breath; and then think. Think about how this affects me;
After having read the article I met over lunch with our youth pastor and he expressing his vision for the youth ministry as well as some possible changes (sort of like asking for permission) I suggested a few things (how I could do them better or would like to have them done), I then pooped on a few ideas,left it with him and flew off to my office to do some serious bible and sermon exegesis. Then I began to “think” ... really convicted by the Holy Spirit that I had just been the “My Way”, “No Time” and “Seagull” Pastor all wrapped into one. I went to him confessed my not so well attempt in guiding him and presented the article to him and pointed out my own error of getting in the way of maybe what God is doing through him with our youth.
Todd you are right, we need not take ourselves or myself so seriously and be honest enough to say, “search me and try me Lord and see if there is any seagull poop that needs to be removed.”
Thanks for sharing the article and keep challenging us “preacher creatures.”
Prov31 on Fri, November 05, 2004
Todd ~ As a pastor’s wife, I found the article insightful. It is helpful and useful for reflecting on our own ministry, our personal tendancies and even our past experiences with leaders who guided us. I am probably the most positive person on the planet, and I most certainly did not feel the article was overly negative and demeaning whatsoever. Those that felt that way truly do need to stop taking themselves so seriously. Todd, keep up the great work! Enjoy this quote: In order to avoid criticsm, one must say nothing….do nothing….BE nothing. Don’t hold back any articles that YOU feel will equip God’s called - and even humble them at times. Iron sharpens iron. You are a very experienced man of God and articulate!
Frustrated on Mon, November 08, 2004
Todd,
When I read the description of a “segull pastor” I found myself finally identifying why I have had a hard time with my pastor. The whole staff lives in constant fear of making mistakes because they are blown way out of porportion. When things have gone well (and they have often!) nothing is ever said unless there is a minor negative to bring out. Staff meetings have been a place of fear and not of joy.
My desire is to minister with a pastor who genuinely loves me as a brother in Christ and does not use me as someone who is there only to make him look good.
I hope these experiences will help me when I have to deal with those who might fall under my leadership.
Ken on Mon, November 08, 2004
This blog obviously shows how frustrated pastors and other church leaders are over the whole subject of leadership. The more pastors I meet, the more I am finding that most of them are not real leaders. Many people feel called to ministry because of a love for God and for people but that doesn’t always translate into a gift to lead. Less pastors are probably gifted with leadership than think they are. The “pastors” mentioned in your paraphrased article wouldn’t really be leaders at all. A title is very different than a gifting. I believe much of the frustation is because people who feel called to ministry have the idea that the ultimate goal is be a leader (ie. senior pastor of a big church). Many frustrated and ineffective “leaders” may be very fulfilled and effective as support people.
Let me know what you think.
Ruby Curran on Wed, September 07, 2005
WOW!! As the author of the original article, I am overwhelmed by the responses your version received, Todd! I’m actually shaking right now and I’m not sure why.
First of all, I’m flattered that you could see the application of my article for your own work.
Second, I’m amazed that some people chose to take offense at the descriptions of the four types of bosses/pastors. These descriptions came from employees who see their bosses this way. I believe it is a “GIFT to see ourselves as others see us.” If the shoe fits and you can see that, you’re in a wonderful position to make some changes that will benefit everyone around you!
Finally, it’s been wonderful to read all the comments here. They’re being addressed to you, Todd, but in a way I feel they are also being addressed to me as the original author. I appreciate getting the indirect feedback!
Thanks for seeing something worthwhile in my article.
Ruby Curran
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