Gary and Kim Shockley

by Gary Shockley

I just finished reading, “Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times”  (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. 2006) This book offers the results of an extensive study of the most successful pastors of new churches in seven American mainline denominations. Unfortunately our denomination was not part of the study.  This is a helpful resource especially for those charged with the task of finding and assessing new church start pastors. Let me summarize what the study suggests are the essential characteristics of extraordinary new church development pastors (defined in the study as those who had formed the largest stable worshipping communities of faith with formerly unchurched persons) They are:

 Catalytic Innovators who are: 

• Charismatic leaders- engaging entrepreneurs
• Tenacious- persistent and indefatigable
• Risk-takers-managing failure without becoming paralyzed by it
• Flexible adapters-skilled change agents
• Self-starters- not afraid to initiate things or press on

 People with a vibrant faith

• Operating from a strong sense of calling
• Lives that are centered in prayer and personal spiritual discipline
• Understand church planting is a “God-thing!”

 Vision Casters

• Dream big dreams and help others do the same
• Create shared vision
• Present a future with hope

 Empowering Leaders

• Have the ability to spot potential leaders
• Spend time and energy training others
• Give leadership away

 Passionate About People

• Highly relational
• Have learned to speak the language of the culture
• Leadership style is a dialogue not a monologue
• Listen carefully to the needs of people

 Care for Themselves and Those they Love

• Work to keep their lives in balance
• Attend to and nurture healthy relationships
• Know how to set boundaries
• Resist becoming lone rangers and seek out support

 Are Passionate About Sharing their Faith

• At ease reaching out to the unchurched and sharing the gospel
• Worked at personal faith-sharing skills
• Teach faith-sharing to their members

 Are Highly Skilled Communicators

• Preach and teach in compelling and attractive ways
• Use the tools of the current culture to tell an ancient story

 Value and Work Toward Inspiring Worship

• This is a core value for them
• Worship is grounded in relationship with each other and God
• Worship as celebration is attractional

 Bottom line: If we’re going to dedicate our energy and resources to plant vibrant and fruitful new communities of faith we need to be doing everything we can to find the most extraordinary men and women we can to do it. They’re out there. Let’s go get them! Maybe you’re one of them? What are you waiting for?

 

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