Resisting the urge to become a generalist

As more and more leaders emerge in RCC, Matt and I are redefining our own job descriptions from jacks-of-all-trades to specialists. The more I talk with effective pastors, the more I realize the key to leading is delegating authority and responsibility to others. Ohhh... this is so hard when you've been doing it all for years, right?

So you can preach AND design a brochure?...

So you can preach AND lead worship?...

You can edit videos AND disciple small group leaders?...

We should pick our calling, and lose the other one. Fast. Don't get me wrong. There's a season early-on when we have to do it all. But growing churches require diminishing pastors. Even if our replacement is worse than us... we should fight the urge to do it all. Let that area stink until someone catches the whiff because our constant involvement will indefinitely usurp someone else's opportunity.

Here's our org chart at RCC. Not all of these boxes are filled, but we pray over these needs and work hard to find servant-leaders to fill them. I've got at least 15 job descriptions waiting to be converted to pdf and uploaded to correspond with each role. Watch for them in the coming weeks...

Comments

[neil greathouse]

I love your use of the word "concierge".

That's such a strong word in the sense of someone who knows everything, can handle anything and loves everyone.

Very nice. Looking forward to more...

[Clayton Bell]

Great resource, Ben, thanks!

Maybe I'm being forgetful, but do you have a bunch of pics of what it looks like inside the theater on Sunday?

[David]

Ben,

I have been the pastor here at BHBC for almost 17 years and what you have described here is the hardest thing for me. No doubt it has had an adverse effect on the ministry.

Dave

[Casey Ross]

Great words, Ben. This whole issue of becoming hands off in areas where I used to be extremely hands on is something that has been on my mind and blog a lot. We're at one of those typical growth barriers, and I think this is one issue we must deal with in order to move forward. Thanks!