Clergy Leadership:
Modeling the Connection
4/08/02

I have some resistance to the idea that I am a role model to other people but I think it is part of the call of Christian leadership.  We not only lead by what we say, but by who we are.  There is tension between the pedestal and pedestrian, the saint and sinner.  Still, like Paul we invite, "...Follow my example.  You have us for a model; watch those whose way of life conforms to it."  (Phil. 3:17NEB)

In The Jesus Connection we believe that spiritual disciplines are at the heart of all renewal. During the congregational sabbatical period the goal is spiritual growth through the development of disciplines that keep one connected to the Vine.  This continues as our members become part of ministry groups that begin to integrate spiritual growth and ministry.  Do the members of our congregations see us as disciplined spiritual persons who can lead them in this process?  Do they see us as models of what they read in The Jesus Connection?  My first words of advice to anybody who is attracted to the model we are sharing are to pray and search the scriptures.  As valuable as our ideas and experiences are, the vision for your congregation needs to grow from your own spiritual searching, discernment, and leadership.

As we try to interpret the idea of evoking spiritual gifts, I think we can model by sharing our own specific gifts for ministry.  We tend to present ourselves as general practitioners who are proficient in 20 different areas of ministry.  From various spiritual gift inventories and the feedback I've received from 20 years as a pastor, I am comfortable telling my congregation what I discern as my primary spiritual gifts.  They will receive strong support from me as I share the gifts God has given me for the edification of the body, but there are other areas in our congregational life when we'd all be better off if others were sharing their gifts and leadership instead of looking to the pastor.  Can we let go and let others lead with their spiritual gifts?

Many of you who are reading this are either beginning or considering sabbatical times in your congregations.  It is critical that the pastor model sabbatical in her or his life during this time period.  There will be the temptation to prop some things up, or to take on some of the non-essentials that we ask the congregation to drop for this time.  Don't do it! Sabbatical is a time for us as leaders to focus on the spiritual and take a fresh look at congregation, call, and ministries.  We can't do that if we are spending extra time propping things up. And besides, why would our congregations think we are serious about sabbatical if we are not living it ourselves?We will all customize the concepts of The Jesus Connection to fit our particular situations, but it is essential that the pastor lead from his or her own spiritual experience and with integrity.

Loren Olson - First United Church, Little Falls, MN