Lead Pastors Shepherding the Soul of their Teams
A survey of multiple church leadership teams would likely reveal a variety of leadership structures. However, one common denominator usually found among them all is a leader among the leaders. This pastor is often referred to as a lead or senior pastor.
In this article, I have a particular polity structure in mind. I’m thinking of an elder team in which one of the elders serves as the lead or senior elder/pastor. In this structure the elders are co-equals, meaning the lead pastor is under the authority of the elders, but the lead pastor normally has greater influence since he does most of the preaching. As one of his responsibilities, he may also oversee a ministry staff that focuses on consistent oversight of ministries and administrative responsibilities. The staff might include other paid pastors, pastoral assistants, interns, and support staff.
For these ministry teams to experience spiritual health and work well together for the good of the church, they need shepherding. One responsibility the lead pastor executes is shepherding the souls of the ministry team in which he serves. How does a lead pastor do this? Here are seven principles that will help lead pastors shepherd the ministry teams they serve.
SHEPHERD TOWARD JESUS
What is the primary responsibility of pastors? Point your flock to the Chief Shepherd. The best thing you can do to shepherd the souls of your ministry team is to point them regularly to Jesus. Sometimes we forget that our co-laborers are members of the body too. They have families with busy schedules. Sickness or exhaustion may plague an elder and his family. It’s possible a non-paid elder’s job is creating extra stress in his life. In other words, elders are normal Christians living normal lives in a fallen world. They need to rest in the finished work of Christ and long for his appearing. Our lives are moving toward the final day when “he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Pray for your fellow elders and help them marvel at Jesus now.
ACKNOWLEDGE BANDWIDTH
A lead pastor is usually supported financially by the church for biblical reasons. He is charged with the responsibility of preparing to teach and preach on a weekly basis. “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain,’ and ‘The laborer deserves his wages’” (1 Timothy 5:18). Aside from preaching, he may also lead a staff, and carry out shepherding and administrative responsibilities on a weekly basis. The Bible commends churches to pay pastors for these reasons.
It is crucial, however, to remember that among a team of elders some of these men have fulltime jobs outside their ministry service. They are not supported by the church financially. Thus, their bandwidth for exercising pastoral care isn’t as wide as yours because they must earn their wages from outside the church. It’s encouraging to fellow elders when lead pastors acknowledge and respect their brothers for sacrificially giving time to shepherd the flock of God. These men likely give extra time, when able, to countless activities in church ministry. It takes a true servant of God to work forty-plus hours a week, care well for his family, and fulfill the responsibilities of an elder.
BE AWARE OF INFLUENCE
As the lead pastor, you naturally have more influence than your fellow elders because you are doing the most public ministry. As the primary preacher, people hear your voice more than anyone else’s. You are likely speaking at members’ meetings, elder meetings, staff meetings, preaching, counseling, and doing the most funerals and weddings. While this is natural, don’t let your influence create the illusion that you rank above your fellow elders. Remember that you are an extension of the elder body. While your voice may carry the most weight, work at building a culture in which elders and staff members know their input is valued.
Sometimes lead pastors are tempted to use their influence to their advantage. You might have an agenda item you want carried out. Temptation arises to use the pulpit or other avenues to speak to an issue without the support of the elders. Guard against this and welcome honest feedback from your fellow elders and staff. Remember that your role, along with all staff positions, is an extension of the elder body. You and the staff exist to carry out the vision of the elders for the good of the church. Nothing will zap the vitality of elder and staff teams like abusing your influence.
PUT OTHER LEADERS OUT FRONT
Since you likely have the most influence as the lead pastor, you must steward it well for the Lord’s glory, not yours. As God raises up more leaders to serve alongside you, give away leadership opportunities. If you’ve done the work to appoint the right kind of men (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), then giving away leadership opportunities to other qualified pastors will be a tremendous blessing to the church, and an encouragement to these men as God uses them for His glory.
I’ll give you a few examples. Since you lead staff meetings, let another elder chair the elder meetings. If you are doing the most preaching, let other elders lead public worship services. Create a service leader role with significant responsibilities and let the elders lead. Elders can call the church to worship, lead in prayers, read Scripture, administer the ordinances, and share in the preaching and teaching. You should be involved in these ways as well, but share the responsibility of leading the congregation in worship. Give away other teaching opportunities like leading small groups or teaching classes. Since the elders are co-equals, then you as the lead pastor will need to initiate putting other leaders out front.
USE “WE” NOT “I” LANGUAGE
Several years ago we changed our polity from a solo pastor structure to elder plurality. Up to that point there was an expectation from the church for me to lead us. That was the correct expectation. Pastors do lead congregations. However, when we transitioned to elder plurality, the expectation needed to change as well. It wasn’t just “me” leading anymore. “We,” the elders, were leading the church together. To encourage teamwork and shared leadership, it is important to change your language.
When structures are deeply ingrained, it’s challenging to transition to new forms. Lead pastors have the responsibility to regularly remind the church that God raises up new leaders to co-labor with you. If you don’t lead in this, the default will likely be the other elders being viewed as men who support the lead pastor. While equality may exist on paper, functionally it will not exist in practice. Using language like, “we” the elders, instead of “I” the pastor, reminds both the church and the elders that their role as members of the leadership team is massively important for the life and health of the church. When you bring recommendations to the church or cast a vision for direction, bring it on behalf of the elders. This will foster camaraderie and remind the elders that you are in this ministry together.
ENCOURAGE ACCOUNTABILITY
Lead pastors are in a unique role. You are a co-equal with the elders, but naturally have more influence. If you aren’t careful, you might abuse the influence you have. For the sake of shepherding the soul of your team, work at creating a culture of accountability. Let brothers know that you are approachable and welcome their constructive feedback. God doesn’t raise up elders to be yes-men. He raises up qualified and gifted men to shepherd the church.
Elders and staff must be able to both encourage and constructively critique each other. This starts with the lead pastor. He often sets the tone for the team environment. If you are willing to receive feedback, this will reinforce the importance of the elders and staff as servants to the church, and not to you.
CELEBRATE GIFTINGS
Finally, recognize that you have strengths and weaknesses. As elders and staff work together, you will recognize giftings. Give thanks to the Lord for surrounding you with other faithful servants who share your strengths and make up for your weaknesses. Then, encourage your co-laborers by celebrating their giftings. Thank them for how they serve the body of Christ by acknowledging specific ways their strengths are being used. Every local church is the Lord’s and He gives each of His churches the elders and staff they need. What a joyful privilege it is for a lead pastor to shepherd the souls of a team.