Pilgrim Place

When I went to seminary many years ago we had classes in systematic, historical, and exegetical theology. We even had some classes in “practical” theology (hmm… does that mean the others were “impractical” theology??? Just kidding…). Practical theology was generally considered the poor stepchild of our education. Yet even there we didn’t have any classes in leadership.

Churches need leaders. They need clergy leaders. Interestingly, most clergy do not rate themselves high in their leadership skills or abilities. It’s become evident to me that I need to work hard at becoming a better leader and I’ve taken steps to do so.

Yet churches need more than strong clergy leaders. They need good, strong lay leaders as well. Many of our churches leaders are becoming older and retiring. It’s time for a new generation of church leaders to emerge.

One way to help bring forth those leaders is through a vision that enhances the mission of the church. A good vision can help enhance church leadership. Malphurs says,

“I define a leader as a godly servant (character) who knows and sees where he or she is going (mission and vision) and has followers (influence)” (page 22).

Without that sure mission and vision we can’t have strong leaders. Mission and vision are vital in the process of building up new leaders in the church. And we need that type of leadership today more than ever before!