Leading People Forward without Leaving Them Behind

 Years ago I received some fantastic advice from a pastor who had been in the trenches of ministry for more years than I had been alive at that point.  He was talking about the art of leading and illustrated his point with a rubber band.  He told me that the role of a leader was to stay out in front of the people and bring them toward you.  As they moved toward you, then go out in front of them just a little bit more.  However, he cautioned that if you go out too far/too fast, then you risk leaving them behind.  The rubber band represented the trust and influence the pastor has earned from the people he is leading.  As the leader moves forward, the rubber band stretches.  The art is to let the rubber band of trust and influence bring the people toward the leader, but if the leader goes too far/too fast that rubber band of trust and influence is likely to snap.  The point is that leadership requires persistence and patience at the same time.  In fact, my experience tells me that you can often accomplish your goals faster by going slower as a leader.  The reality is that the church is not an individual thing.  It is a gathering of people with different personalities and experiences.  Past experiences shape the way people filter and process information.  Some will be all in because they see it.  Some will be all in because they just simply trust you.  However, there will be several who don't see it right away and need to process.  They are not ready to move with you, but that doesn't mean that they won't buy in later.  If a pastor moves too fast, he risks fracturing that congregation, but if he does not move at all, he risks fostering a complacent church so steeped in apathy that it will be virtually ineffective in this world for the cause of Christ.  So how do you lead your people without leaving them behind?

Pray!  A leader cannot effectively lead without persistently praying.  I have come to the conclusion that prayer is a gauge of dependence.  Leaders who pray are leaders that understand that they need the help of Christ to lead His church.  Christ is the head of the church and deeply loves her.  He will help leaders lead when leaders persistently pray.

Care!  The congregation needs to know that you value them as people.  The best way to gain trust with others is to demonstrate to them that you care about them as people.  I am fully aware that caring for everyone well is an impossible task and an unrealistic expectation of pastors.  I am certainly not suggesting that you spend all your time caring for the needs of your people because you can't.  However, they need to know that value them.  A quick note, a timely word, or a welcomed prayer goes a long way in building trust.  Admittedly, this is an area that I have to continue to work on in my own ministry because my mind is that of a visionary.  I am constantly looking toward the future and where we are going.  Even though I love the people under my care and influence, I have to work to express that to them, and still find myself falling short.  The reality is that I would be a better leader if I strengthened this part of my own ministry.  Sorry, this probably sounded too much like a confessional.  

Communicate!  As a leader you have to teach and help people understand the where you are leading them and why it is important.  I have seen great plans squashed almost immediately because those leading failed to answer these important questions.  Make sure you have done your homework and due diligence in anticipating questions.  In fact, good communication should answer the vast majority of people's questions before they ask.  Communication that is vague will instill in people fear and confusion.  What do people do when they are confused or fearful?  They fill in the blanks themselves, often with the worst scenarios possible.  This will kill momentum and destroy trust.  So take the time to teach, inform, motivate, and bring people along.  Do this often enough that you are sick of communicating it, and then do it some more.  I have heard it said that people have to hear something seven times before they start to really get it.  I have often wanted to test that theory by preaching the same sermon seven times in a row, but the better part of wisdom won the day. 😂

Do Not Lord Over!  The authoritarian leader may get things done, but in the end he often finds himself alone.  Jesus modeled for us a servant approach to leadership.  The Apostle Peter tells pastors to not lord over (dominate) their people (1 Peter 5:3).  Authority is real in the Kingdom of God, but the exercise of that authority is what makes all the difference.  Serve the people.  Don't push an agenda simply because you want to see it happen.  Lead in such a way that you help people see what you see.  Serve them!  Wash their feet!  This can take time and many conversations.  It will often require a bit of creativity and care.  It is not just worth it, but it is how we are called to lead as shepherds.  

Stay Out in Front!  It is critical that the leader is always growing and focused on what God desires His church to accomplish.  Your influence or leadership will only be limited by your own growth as a leader.  John Maxwell calls this the "law of the lid".  You will only lead your people to the extent that you are leading yourself.  As a church leader this involves more than just discipline and study, it requires a unique sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit that is birthed through prayer and study.  Stay close to the heart of God and grow as a leader.  

Understand There Will Be Criticism!  Anytime you are out in front, you will be criticized.  Often people don't criticize because they hate you, but because of fear or lack of understanding.  Just know that criticism will come and be okay with it.  Use it as an opportunity.  About 11 years ago I was asked to put together a tech proposal as I was coming into my new position.  I had proposed some tech that I was familiar with and had a great track record running the applications that we were running as a church.  This included a computer for my office and a flat screen tv for my office.  The proposal was given to our people to be voted on and I caught wind that one individual was really upset at me.  I asked that person to meet with me.  I asked him if what I heard was true.  He affirmed.  Mind you, I had only been on staff for three weeks at this point.  I simply said to him, "I know this is not personal because you don't even know me, so tell me why are you upset."  He began to unload his objections and I carefully walked through my own rational for the proposal one on one.  Come to find out, his objection was really not so much the tech, but his lack of trust in leadership.  We worked through it and I asked him, "Tell me, what is your passion in ministry."  We talked for another hour and a half and built a friendship and a foundation for trust.  This would not have happened if I avoided the criticism or took it personally.  Now, I understand that some people are just nasty and would vote no to Jesus coming back, but that is not the majority of cases when criticism comes your way.  It is usually born from fear.

So go be a rubber band leader!  Lead your people forward without leaving them behind.