Vital Faith: Leadership with a Pulse

WJ de Kock

Education Consultant to Partner in Ministry

Professor of Practical Theology at Palmer Theological Seminary

This is the fifth installment in a seven part series titled “Building a Culture of Collective Confidence”. 

Imagine a church where everyone is not just a passive attendee but an active participant. This transformation doesn't happen by chance; it requires leadership with a pulse. Effective leadership is the heartbeat of a thriving congregation, as anyone who’s seen a community come alive can attest.

Empowering others is a vital art of leadership. Picture this: a church leader with a sharp eye for potential in their congregation, spotting a member with a talent for organisation. Instead of hoarding tasks like a dragon guarding treasure, the leader delegates responsibilities, entrusting others to lead. This isn't just about getting things done more efficiently; it's about facilitating personal growth and strengthening the community. The leader then focuses on shaping the big-picture vision while others thrive in their newfound leadership roles, bringing their unique skills and perspectives. This collaborative approach is truly a stroke of genius, as it cultivates a dynamic, engaged church community.

Vital leadership is not like the solo performance of a virtuoso; it is more like a team captain who understands that everyone on the field matters. This kind of leadership brings everyone into the game, creating a dynamic environment where everyone contributes their unique talents and skills. It's about distributing responsibility, allowing members to take ownership and contribute their distinct capabilities. By empowering others with opportunities to lead, the church cultivates a new generation of capable individuals who can carry the vision forward and drive the community's growth. This collaborative approach unleashes the collective potential of the congregation, fostering a thriving, engaged church where everyone has a meaningful role to play.

The transformative power of vital leadership can be seen in the contrasting case studies of two mainline congregations.[1] One church experienced significant growth and vitality, while the other faced decline. The key difference? The first church's pastor adopted a collaborative yet decisive leadership style, inspiring the community. The second church's pastor, on the other hand, took a more hands-off approach, seeking to empower lay decision-making.

The lessons from this research are clear: effective leadership is not about control or micromanagement but about empowering others and cultivating a sense of shared responsibility.[2] Vital leaders understand that their role is to embody the values of the community, teach "correct principles", and then let the congregation "govern themselves.”[3] In doing so, they unlock the full potential of the community, creating a thriving, spiritually-nourishing environment where everyone has a voice and a stake in the church's future.

Speaking of vision, imagine the power of a shared dream that unites an entire congregation. When everyone understands the "why" behind their actions, it fosters a stronger sense of community and commitment. A compelling vision inspires and motivates people to work together towards common goals. It helps prioritise efforts and ensures everyone is moving in the same direction. Unity and purpose are not just lofty ideals but practical tools that align efforts and amplify impact.

Research-Backed Leadership: Evidence Speaks Volumes

NCLS research over the last 30 years supports this, showing that leaders who effectively communicate the church's vision and encourage members to contribute their skills can lead to growth in newcomers and attendance. Churches where attendees are deeply committed to the vision show stronger growth. When leaders encourage people to use their gifts, attendance tends to rise. And those churches that are open to trying new things? They experience the strongest growth of all.[4]

The numbers speak volumes. Let's dive into the data for a moment. According to NCLS research, churches with a higher percentage of attendees committed to the church’s vision experience stronger attendance growth. For instance, 41% of attendees in churches with high newcomer levels are strongly committed to the vision, compared to 29% in churches with low newcomer levels. Similarly, churches with strong attendance growth have 39% of attendees strongly committed to the vision.

Empowering leadership is crucial for the growth of a church. When leaders encourage attendees to use their gifts, the church tends to experience growth. In churches with high levels of new attendees, 30% of the congregation feel encouraged to use their gifts, compared to 23% in churches with low levels of new attendees. Additionally, for churches with strong growth in attendance, 28% of congregants feel encouraged to use their gifts.

Churches that are open to trying new things tend to experience stronger growth in attendance. Among churches with high newcomer levels, 26% of attendees strongly agree that the church is always ready to try something new, compared to 13% in churches with low newcomer levels. For churches with strong growth in attendance, 24% of attendees strongly agree with this statement.

Innovation: The Secret Ingredient

As we can see from this research, leadership isn’t just about vision and delegation. It’s also about innovation—the secret ingredient that keeps everything fresh. If leadership were a recipe, innovation would be the spice that adds flavour. Leaders who dare to innovate guide the church forward, embracing failures as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Innovation allows churches to adapt and remain relevant, meeting the needs of their communities with fresh solutions to emerging challenges. Leaders willing to experiment and try new things play a crucial role in moving the church forward.

Innovation is the lifeblood of progress. Think about it: leaders who dare to innovate propel the church forward, turning failures into stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Innovation allows churches to stay relevant, meeting the needs of their communities with fresh solutions. Leaders who experiment and embrace new ideas create a culture of growth and adaptability. Take the example of Peter the Apostle: even though he failed multiple times, his failure was not the end. Jesus, who exemplified vital leadership, saw potential in Peter and invited him to feed His sheep, indicating the importance of learning from failures to achieve success.

The Ripple Effect of Vital Leadership

The impact of vital leadership is like a stone dropped in water, creating ripples of positivity. It harnesses members' gifts and skills, fostering an innovative, adaptable environment. Clear vision and direction build collective confidence, a cornerstone of church vitality. Leaders who are clear about the church’s direction and vision create a culture of collective confidence, which is essential for church vitality.

A church led with vitality attracts and retains members, drawing people to a dynamic, forward-looking community. When individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute, the entire community flourishes, becoming a beacon of vibrancy and strength.

Dive Deeper: Embrace the Journey of Leadership

Vital leadership isn’t just about steering the ship; it’s about building a crew where everyone plays a crucial part. Embrace innovation, learn from missteps, and watch your church community grow.

Consider

• Registering for the full course: "Creating a Culture of Collective Confidence"

• Contact partners in Ministry to learn more about our coaching, leadership development, and consulting services.

For more information and to get started, visit our website or reach out to us directly. Let’s create a culture of collective confidence that transforms lives and glorifies God.

Sources

Powell, R., Pepper, M., Sterland, S., and Hancock. N., (2016). NCLS Attender Surveys. [Data file]. Sydney, Australia: NCLS Research.

Purnomo, S H., & Wibowo, D A. (2021, October 28). The Influence Of The Leadership And Character Of A Pastor On The Spiritual Growth Of The Congregation At The GPdI Alfa Omega Church.. , 4(2), 8-18. https://doi.org/10.33856/didaskalia.v4i2.215

Todd, S. (1998, May 1). Stewardship and Accountability: Valued Elements in Maximising Human Potential. SAGE Publishing, 13(1), 46-52. https://doi.org/10.1177/026142949801300107

Wollschleger, J. (2018, December 1). Pastoral Leadership and Congregational Vitality. SAGE Publishing, 60(4), 575-585. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13644-018-0352-7

[1] J. Wollschleger, J. (2018)

[2] A.D. Canales, A D. (2014)

[3] See Purnomo, S H., & Wibowo, D A. (2021) and Todd, S. (1998)

[4] Powell, R., Pepper, M., Sterland, S., and Hancock. N., (2016)