The Successful Leader

Yesterday at INC (a local Tampa Bay gathering of church planters and leaders) the issue of size was brought up. Someone brought the idea of the shepherd / pastor where the job of the pastor is to lead his "flock" to the green pasture and the cool waters and protect them from the wolves. For most of his life he said he had been trained to just get more and more people. More people was always better, but he was wrestling through if that was really true. How could he be the shepherd if he had more than 100 or 200 people. He said maybe bigger is not wrong but maybe smaller is better so we should start more smaller churches to advance the Gospel. The conversation went back and forth for about an hour.

Here is my take on that. There is no way you can be the shepherd for everyone. Even with 100 to 200 people you can't do it. So, for a while the larger church pastors have said since I can't do it for everyone then I won't do it at all. I won't go to any kids ball games, I won't do any hospital visits, I won't do any dinners at peoples houses, I won't mentor groups of men. I have to keep my focus on the big picture, that is why you have a staff, and I agree with that...

BUT, just because you can't do it for everyone doesn't mean you can't do it for some. Now, this means you can't be fair. You will go to some people's things but not others and that is not fair and... hey, fairness stopped in the Garden of Eden. God cannot even be fair to everyone (let that sink in). So, my take is you should be someone's shepherd in your church. You can't be every one's because you can't and if you try you will miss the bigger picture stuff, but we can all serve some people. I am reminded of the words of Jesus when He said:

"Anyone wanting to be a leader among you must be your servant... Your attitude must be like my own, for I did not come to be served, but to serve, and give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26 & 28

I think that is what makes you a successful leader / pastor. You do for some what you wish you could do for everyone. And that example becomes contagious.

What do you think? Leave a thought...