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The Mad Hatters Tea Party.







Pastoral Leadership verses Relational leadership.

A few weeks ago I was having a good hearted, heated discussion with a friend of mine. Me in the UK he in New Zealand. He accused me of putting too much focus on Leadership, he accused me of having an obsessive fixation with leadership. (ouch) Like the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland I was obsessed with the minor details of the tea party I call leadership (double ouch)
 He said "We have been emphasising leadership in our churches for years and we haven't got anywhere. Those churches that were small then are still small now. What we need is good pastoral leadership to build the flock not just the congregation size"
He then talked about how good pastoral leadership was good relational leadership. This got me thinking because to me these are two separate things, or leadership models. An over emphasis of pastoral leadership could lead to fat overweight Christians rather than fit healthy Christians ready for the battlefield.

The Pastoral leadership model.

The traditional view is defined as the process by which the needs of those under the care of the pastor are met. Here are five primary components that make up pastoral leadership.
Protection; Pastors need to protect their flocks. They have a rod and a staff
Nurturing; Pastors feed their flocks. They shall not want for anything
Guidance; Pastors preach and teach to lead their flocks to greener pastures and still waters.
Practical; Pastors look after the needs of the community they ensure that the table is set and enemies are kept at bay.
Sacrificial; Pastors give up their own comforts to lead their flock during tough times.

The Relational leadership model.

This is defined as the process by which a person lets people attempt to accomplish change and make a difference for the benefit of the entire congregation. Here are five primary components that make up relational leadership.
Inclusiveness; Everyone is needed to make the church grow.
Empowering; Every skill and talent can be used and recognised and needed.
Purposeful. The vision of the leader for more souls for the kingdom becomes the vision and desire of all.
Ethical. The standards and values of the leader are embraced by everyone and developed through participation and observation.
Process and Outcome orientated;  All things are learnt by going through a process together and outcomes are celebrated by all.

The responsibility of growth in the Kingdom of God is the goal of every Christian. By moving from a fellowship/ insular pastoral driven church, we need instead to be led by strong fit healthy (spiritually) relational leaders who are ensuring that everyone no matter of age, creed or gender or mad hatter persuasion are involved in its increase.

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