Four Practices of Leader Flow
by Mark Tidsworth, Team Leader
How possible is it to be an energized leader right now? How possible is it for clergy and church staff persons to wake up each day eager to serve in God’s vineyard, finding their flow?
Even with the many struggles that come with these unique moments in time, I can tell you there are clergy and church staff persons who are showing up and serving well. Certainly all of us carry some wounds and scars from the last few years, but there are many rolling up their sleeves and serving with vigor. Recently I received an unexpected personal video message from one of these pastors; one who has experienced a spiritual awakening over the last eight months (you know who you are). So, it can be done. We can serve with a strong sense of purpose and eagerness for being church with those whom God has called us to serve. We can be in the flow, finding our rhythm as pastors and church staff.
OK, so how? Well, there’s no magic formula. I can’t issue guarantees for particular outcomes. But I can describe what’s in my field notes - observations of energized pastors from the field; from those serving in God’s vineyard. These four practices appear to be integrated into the vocational rhythm of clergy and church staff in the leadership flow.
Constantly Centering Themselves in Jesus Christ
Nearly every day now, when starting my day by listening, it seems like God is encouraging me to stay close, to touch base often during the day. Maybe that’s just me, but I think not. Clergy in the flow, those moving with vigor and energy, are often those who make the time and space for connecting their spirits with The Spirit. Centering ourselves in God is the beginning, middle, and end of our faith life. In these days, let’s stay close in; closer in than ever. Then, we are far more likely to live in the flow, the flow of God’s energy in this world.
Accepting what comes with the Role of Leader
When everything is shifting, leadership grows more vulnerable. When we are frustrated with social distancing and paradigm reformation, we want someone to blame. Life disruption often places a target on leaders given the human tendency to blame and scapegoat. Leaders in the flow are those who recognize and accept this reality. They also recognize and accept there is lower job security than ever before for clergy and church staff. They do whatever they need to do to live with these uncertainties, refusing to be terrorized by that which they cannot control.
Investing in Leadership Growth
Have you noticed this? When you are learning and growing, your energy rises. We humans are made for growth and transformation. Our growth impulse, plus the exceptional need for competent leadership in these days, suggests this is a great time to engage in leadership development. You may want to join us for Leadership ReFresh April 27-29, pursuing greater skill levels along with renewal for our souls (https://www.pinnlead.com/leadership-refresh). Clergy and church staff who are learning and growing often see an uptick in their energy for ministry, stepping into the flow.
Serving Boldly
You are the pastor and church staff person in this church. Until you are literally not in your position, you are called to serve. So, trusting to God’s providence, leaders in the flow pursue the leadership opportunities before them. No, none of us can guarantee “success.” What we do have control over is how we serve. Leaders in the flow go ahead and lead, laying aside hesitation, pursuing their callings for these days.
May we be caught up in the energizing flow of God’s movement in this world as expressed through God’s Church. May we live into our callings as leaders, stepping into the current of God’s energy available through the Spirit each moment as we go.