Leaders Who Last Part 6

Leaders Who Last: A willingness to change

We have been in a series of leadership articles on “Leaders Who Last.” It’s been said that a person changes every 4-7 years. If a pastor is going to have longevity in ministry, he must reinvent himself several times.

Pastors, we often lament on our church’s unwillingness to embrace change. There are articles and books written on the challenges and steps to bring about change in a church. Few write or speak about the pastor’s willingness to change. At CrossLife, I have experienced many changes at the church, i.e. new ministries, numerical growth, purchased several parcels of land, built four buildings, changed our name, started a Christian school and satellite churches. Each one of those required a change for our church people, but they required me to change as well. For example, the typical changes at church growth plateaus are:

• 1-200 in worship – add a second minister to grow to 400.
• At 400 – multiple staff, shared ministry, delegate, more management of people.
• 400-800 – must begin to pastor people you do not know.
• 800 plus – The pastor becomes a rancher leader rather than a personal shepherd. Leadership on a large scale and intentional delegation are essential.

If a pastor is not willing to change, the church will not sustain growth. In fact, the church may shrink to the pastor’s leadership style and skills. One essential skill for longevity is to be willing to change. Are you willing to make the necessary changes? Without a willingness to change, the growing, changing church will grow past the current pastor, and the congregation will eventually change pastors.

Next lesson: A security found in Christ.