The Associational Leader Needs to Lead
When I first became an associational leader 30 years ago, the two terms “associational,” and “leader” were seldom, if ever, used together. We were either called “Associational Missionaries,” or “Directors of Missions.” I do not remember anyone calling me an “Associational Leader.”
When I first became an associational leader 30 years ago, the two terms “associational,” and “leader” were seldom, if ever, used together. We were either called “Associational Missionaries,” or “Directors of Missions.” I do not remember anyone calling me an “Associational Leader.”
In many settings then, we were not looked upon as leaders. We were considered pastors to pastors, denominational servants, and useful for pulpit supply and possibly church conflict mediation. Too many DOMs were “coasting” toward retirement, and often an association would choose the next DOM to “help a brother get out of a rough pastorate.”
That is not the case now. We have come a long way. Praise the Lord!
The SBCAL book I was privileged to edit, “The Baptist Association,” features a chapter called “A Leader of Leaders,” by Dr. Tom Billings, former Executive Director, Union Baptist Association, Houston, TX. Leadership is one of the 17 proficiencies of an effective associational leader, according to the SBCAL Study Team Report that was unanimously adopted in June 2018 by SBCAL members.
If you are an Associational Mission Strategist (AMS), I hope you consider yourself to be a leader of leaders. This role has no “authority” over any pastor or church, but a lot of influence if the AMS is an effective “leader of leaders.”
If you are a pastor, staff member, or lay church leader, I hope you will pray for your AMS and encourage him to lead well. As he leads well, follow his leadership.
AMS, let your pastors know (often) that you love them, you care about them, you pray regularly for them by name, and that you want to be there for them and serve them. Provide equipping, fellowship, and ministry opportunities through collaboration together among sister churches. Lead with vision, compassion, clarity, and conviction to be a gospel-centered, gospel-driven missional association of churches.
If you have not read Tom Billings’ chapter in our book, or if you have not read it recently, I encourage you to do so.
That is not the case now. We have come a long way. Praise the Lord!
The SBCAL book I was privileged to edit, “The Baptist Association,” features a chapter called “A Leader of Leaders,” by Dr. Tom Billings, former Executive Director, Union Baptist Association, Houston, TX. Leadership is one of the 17 proficiencies of an effective associational leader, according to the SBCAL Study Team Report that was unanimously adopted in June 2018 by SBCAL members.
If you are an Associational Mission Strategist (AMS), I hope you consider yourself to be a leader of leaders. This role has no “authority” over any pastor or church, but a lot of influence if the AMS is an effective “leader of leaders.”
If you are a pastor, staff member, or lay church leader, I hope you will pray for your AMS and encourage him to lead well. As he leads well, follow his leadership.
AMS, let your pastors know (often) that you love them, you care about them, you pray regularly for them by name, and that you want to be there for them and serve them. Provide equipping, fellowship, and ministry opportunities through collaboration together among sister churches. Lead with vision, compassion, clarity, and conviction to be a gospel-centered, gospel-driven missional association of churches.
If you have not read Tom Billings’ chapter in our book, or if you have not read it recently, I encourage you to do so.
Here are Four Helpful Things To Know this week.
First Person: 7 Considerations for Southern Baptists in the days ahead
baptistpress.com
The Top Reasons People Attend Bible Study Groups
research.lifeway.com
Three Ways to Keep the Fires of Your Prayer Life Burning
baptistpress.com
11 Obstacles to Effective Discipleship in the Church
baptistpress.com
May the Lord bless you and use you for His glory.
Your brother in Christ,
Ray
First Person: 7 Considerations for Southern Baptists in the days ahead
baptistpress.com
The Top Reasons People Attend Bible Study Groups
research.lifeway.com
Three Ways to Keep the Fires of Your Prayer Life Burning
baptistpress.com
11 Obstacles to Effective Discipleship in the Church
baptistpress.com
May the Lord bless you and use you for His glory.
Your brother in Christ,
Ray
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