ARE WE A PEOPLE AT HALF TIME? - Leadership Network

This is a new column in NEXT dedicated to identifying
trends that have been started in, or are
emerging from, the large church. One such trend
that has been around for some time and is rapidly
being deployed throughout the country is
the relatively new position of executive pastor.
Bob Feitl, executive pastor of Calvary Community
Church in Westlake Village, CA has written an
excellent descriptive article on the role of the
executive pastor. The following is an excerpt from
Feitl’s article:
Wherever you go today, everyone is talking about
vision, and rightfully so! Vision has correctly been
identified as the central guiding motivation for any
organization. According to George Barna, “Vision is a
clear mental image of a preferable future imparted
by God to His chosen servant, based on an accurate
understanding of God, self and circumstances.”
But a vision without an implementation strategy is
a vision that gets blurry and dim, and too distant
to compel passionate commitment. That’s why Ken
Blanchard says, “Vision alone can’t get it done. Too
often we spend all our time on vision and none
on implementation.”
It is for this very reason that in the emerging
megachurches of the last twenty years, the new
role of executive pastor has developed into that of
a partner with the senior pastor.
The executive pastor is not a manager, but rather
a leader. John Kotter says that “Management is
about coping with complexity whereas leadership,
by contrast, is about coping with change.” The
executive pastor leads change through a process of
coaching, motivating, inspiring, affirming and
empowering.
Not a clone of the senior pastor, but a counterpart,
a profile of this relatively new breed of clergyman/leader
known as the executive pastor
requires an unusual and not-frequently-found marriage
of talents, gifts and abilities. To be successful,
the executive pastor must have a happy marriage
of diverse spiritual gifts such as leadership and
pastoring, administration and faith.
In relation to the senior pastor, the executive pastor
is partner, protector, shield, defender, confronter,
encourager and reality check. The executive pastor
prepares the way ahead for the senior pastor, but
also turns and follows behind, assuring that the
details of implementation and execution can, and
will be, carried out.”
A copy of the full article on the role of executive
pastor is available by contacting Pastor Bob Feitl
via email at bfeitl@calvarycc.org, or at Calvary
Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake
Village, CA 91362.
www.leadnet.org
This past March, more than forty people from across the country came
together in San Diego, California, to participate in the first Large Church
Forum for Key Lay Leaders - the lay person in the church who
has demonstrated ongoing, church-wide spiritual and leadership
influence. Here's what a few of the participants had to say
about the Experience:
“My needs and expectations were well met.The opportunity to exchange stories and
share in the learning process was supportive and encouraging, and promoted increased
learning and enthusiasm.”
Mark Zipper
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Burnsville, MN
1999 LARGE CHURCH FORUMS SCHEDULE
The purpose of these forums is to provide a place for peers in ministry to come together
from across the country with no set agenda, papers or lectures—just a time to interact
with others in similar circumstances about common concerns. They provide an
opportunity for intense peer interaction and idea exchange.
AUGUST 23–26
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“This Forum provided great insight into the many
ways God is working in his church.”
Dick Geer
Kempsville Presbyterian Church
Virginia Beach, VA
“I have reflected often and in depth on this excellent Forum.
I have shared the notes and concepts with my senior pastors
and church leaders. We were encouraged to know of the
diverse approaches to effective ministry and the consistent
vision to share Christ from a Kingdom-based perspective.”
Grace Sweatman
MGT Family Church
Toronto, ON
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