 | This month’s blog is the first of a series based on a chapter by the same title that I wrote in a new book SBCAL has coming out this spring: The Baptist Association: Assisting Churches. Advancing the Gospel. Be on the lookout for it! |
The associational leader role is similar to but different than pastoring a congregation. It is different than being a church planter, an international missionary, a music, youth, or discipleship minister. It is even different than serving on the staff of a state convention. The effective associational leader casts a vision for the member churches to do something bigger than any one church can do on its own. He assists churches in times of transition and helps churches fulfill their Great Commission mandate of—starting locally—making disciples who make disciples. He represents the churches of the association in their city, county, or region, and facilitates communication between pastors and churches so no one feels alone, left out, neglected, ignored, or ostracized. He also networks local pastors and churches together for encouragement and training. He may serve as a mediator in church disputes, or as a secret worshipper or consultant to inform churches of blind spots.
In this day of information overload, an effective associational leader can not only make sure pastors and church leaders have relevant denominational, demographic, and other pertinent types of information, but he can also help interpret that information. He is available to help pastors and churches apply that information as a coach, consultant, and mission strategist. He assists churches and pastors in times of conflict and in times of transition. He often provides or coordinates leadership training for Pastor Search Committees, pastors, staff, and other church leaders.
To the praise of His glory,
Ray
Pr. 3:5-6
Quotable Quote: You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Your goal is your desired outcome. Your system is the collection of daily habits that will get you there. This year, spend less time focusing on outcomes and more time focusing on the habits that precede the results. James Clear, Thursday 3-2-1, Jan. 2, 2020
In this day of information overload, an effective associational leader can not only make sure pastors and church leaders have relevant denominational, demographic, and other pertinent types of information, but he can also help interpret that information. He is available to help pastors and churches apply that information as a coach, consultant, and mission strategist. He assists churches and pastors in times of conflict and in times of transition. He often provides or coordinates leadership training for Pastor Search Committees, pastors, staff, and other church leaders.
To the praise of His glory,
Ray
Pr. 3:5-6
Quotable Quote: You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Your goal is your desired outcome. Your system is the collection of daily habits that will get you there. This year, spend less time focusing on outcomes and more time focusing on the habits that precede the results. James Clear, Thursday 3-2-1, Jan. 2, 2020
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