Author says:
“What is we measured our success by how often we were equipping and measured our failure by how often we were doing?”

This is so right on (plus the entire article), that it really hurts.  It’s actually disgusting to me that Churches and Pastors don’t already know this.  For those who know this, all we can do is be good examples.

The mega churches are an example of this problem.  There’s no way to have a megachurch without having a mega Pastor, from what I’ve seen (I could be wrong).  Rick Warren certainly seems like a mega Pastor.  Why don’t these people plant new churches? Why do they have to have satellites and beam their message there, as if there are no other capable leaders/teachers? (I’m not sure if Rick does this, but I heard of others that do).  I think it’s (spiritually) sick.  The only reason I see for it is ego-building which results in celebrity Pastor worship.

Even think about Billy Graham-- super famous because he comes to town and all the local churches work with him to do a crusade? Why do the churches need him to do a crusade-- why can’t they organize one themselves?  Because they can’t work together. 

Sorry to be negative, but problems will never get fixed until they are pointed out.  It’s up to us (through God), the next generation…

Stop “hero worshipping” Rick Warren (’40 days of purpose’) and other super Pastors, and their “market” will evaporate. 

...Bernie
http://www.FreeGoodNews.com

Good thought or philosophy in ministry, but does it actually occur?  If it does can anyone give some insights on how to become a leader of leaders?  Or better yet, any resources for equipping the equippers?  Not trying to be negative, just want some practical insight from those of you who are living out this type of ministry.

The pastor who thinks he can do it all is busily usurping the role of the Holy Spirit. Our job as pastors is to keep as much decision making, disciple making, and evangelism in the hands and hearts of the “average” believer. We are not hired holy help. I spend my time mentoring people and training committees in their work. I provide evaluative guidance for these folks and never get in a hurry. Sometimes I have to confront, sometimes I just have to listen, mostly I encourage. I’ve been told it takes a secure, confident man to let go of the reigns. Maybe that’s true. I seem to remember that the Bible teaches a principle of “priesthood of the believer.” For me that means the vision for a church resides in that church. I don’t bring the vision to an existing church because Christ has already done that by establishing it to begin with. If a church turns over all its visioning to every new pastor that comes through then you end up with a schizophrenic church. They change directions every 3 to 4 years. Satan just loves that one!
I develop the church from the perspective that I help them articulate their vision, market their vision, equip them to carry out their vision, and participate anywhere I can in their vision. This approach, to me, affirms the individual and his/her relationship with the Holy Spirit, encourages them to take qualified risks, and discover their God given gifts. Also, I encourage the development of as many committees and action teams as are needed, each with a specific job description, organizational placement, cross-reporting functions, budget, and accountability. I simply ask them to consider how each group’s work fits in with the overall vision of our church, help them write a goal and standards policy, assist in committee training, equip them to work, and get out of their way. That is what is means to demythologize the pastorate.
One example of this is my work with our Nominating Committee. I gave them a written job description for their committee that explained their authority, power, and responsibility. I spent time training them how to recognize God’s hand at work--not just picking bodies to fit vacancies. I also explained their accountability to oversee every volunteer, to train them, observe them, evaluate their placement and performance, to reassign when needed, to replace where necessary. I compared them to the Personnel Committee that hires, trains, evaluates, and sometimes fires employees. Also, the materials they received in their packets provided steps for dealing with conflicts that inevitably arise in their work and how to resolve them biblically. My approach to placing people in the right ministry positions is to remember that people are only going to get involved in things that peak their desire to accomplish. The Nominating Committee’s work is thus a vital leadership role for giving people multiple avenues to accomplish God’s vision for the congregation. Finally, I remind every committee that committees don’t make policy, they recommend it to the church, and the congregation makes policy. Does this take longer? Yes! Absolutely! But what decision can’t wait just one person longer? Snap out of the task oriented obsession and decide that the work of the church is for the purpose of discipling the church, not just adding to the size of the organization. No matter how big it gets, it should still be the family of God. And, with that thought in mind, each time we start a new committee, new Sunday school class, new ministry, try throwing a baby shower to celebrate its birth. All the established ministries should try contributing “gifts” like a membership role, a committee workbook, a copy of parliamentary procedures, a songbook, a church manual, a coffee pot, radio, etc., that would be useful to the group or class. The whole church is involved in this way. Super Pastor? No! Supernatural Pastor? Yes!