If you find yourself as the team leader on your church staff (Pastor, Associate Pastor, Minister of Ed, Executive Pastor, Lead Pastor, etc.), you do have a choice in how you lead:

1.  Realize you are the leader. I love a cool passage about Solomon that says that he “took a grip” (msg) of the kingdom, with the Lord’s help.  I think that is a fantastic balance.  Get a grip, understand that you are the guy.  If you don’t know you are the person responsible, no one else will.  BUT before you get the big head, and potentially become an arrogant abusive leader, realize it is only by and with the Lord’s help that you are doing what you do.  He can replace you any time.

2.  You can be Buddy. In this laissez faire style, you will probably have good relationships, but poor direction, and if something critical comes up, which it will, your group will splinter, until they find the real leader.

3.  You can be Bossy. In this overty demanding and disconnected style, relationships are the last thing on your mind.  Your word is king and you want to see folks hopping no matter the circumstance.  No decisions are made without you.  Oddly, groups will splinter and they will search for the real leader.  Someone who really cares about them.

4.  I prefer Balance. When you are the boss, recognize it.  There are times when you make the call.  No one else.  Everyone has chimed in, but now everyone is looking to you.  At the same time, build healthy relationships.  One leadership coach helped me to move away from talking about staff as “family.”  I want good and rich relationships with staff, but I can’t fire my family; my brother/dad will always be that.  Instead, think of staff as being on your team.  Coach, lead, inspire, develop, and create vision.

Lead and lead well!