Relational Leadership - People Over Process скачать в хорошем качестве

Relational Leadership - People Over Process

RETHINK SUNDAY Relational Leadership — People Over Process I want to talk about leadership today — specifically what I’d call Relational Leadership. We’re very early on as a church, and we have the opportunity to rethink how we lead. And it matters how we lead. Our goal in leadership is to value people in such a way that they know we are not just trying to get a job done. We’re not trying to build a brand. We’re building the Body of Christ. Let me ask you something: Have you ever been in an environment — maybe you led it, maybe you were under it — where the brand felt more important than the people? Where leaders seemed more passionate about growing attendance and expanding the name than about you personally being shepherded? We have to be intentional about making sure individuals feel like part of the whole — not a cog in the wheel. Not a gear in the system. Yes, it takes people to build a church. But it’s not the building. It’s the people. Jesus said, “Feed My sheep.” So what does that actually look like? 📖 Scripture Foundation Our key text is 1 Peter 5:2–3: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” Let’s pause there. It’s God’s flock. We are stewarding it. That changes everything. Pastor the Church You Have Here’s where I’ve been challenged as a leader: We must pastor the church we have — not the church we wish we had. Let that sink in. Leaders are called to lead in faith and vision. But there’s a danger: We can start driving the sheep toward the promised land instead of leading them. If we build too quickly… If we drive instead of shepherd… We will kill the sheep before we ever reach the promise. And we’ll become frustrated leaders along the way. We must shepherd the sheep we have — not wish for different sheep. You and I don’t get to choose who God has entrusted to us right now. Yes, we can reach out. Yes, we can grow. But we don’t despise small beginnings. We don’t despise a small gathering. And we certainly don’t despise the people God has given us. Be faithful in the small things. True Leadership vs. Domineering Leadership 1 Peter continues: “…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples.” There’s a difference between true leadership and domineering leadership. True leadership Leads through influence Encourages Inspires Motivates Builds relationship Domineering leadership Leads from title Uses rules and control Relies on restrictions and pressure Operates from superiority True leadership influences from within. Domineering leadership controls from without. And here’s the danger: When we prioritize process over people, we start enforcing rules instead of inspiring hearts. I want to call people up — not drive them up. Because if we just drive them… We will drive them out. Lead By Example Peter says, “Be examples to the flock.” That means: If there’s a responsibility in your ministry area, you should be the first one willing to do it. Not manipulating. Not forcing. Not lording. But modeling. Yes, empower others. Yes, give opportunity. But never hold a standard you yourself won’t uphold. Watch Your Tone. Language Creates Culture. Let’s talk about communication. Language sets atmosphere. Language creates culture. We can accomplish the same tasks while creating a toxic culture along the way — simply by how we communicate. Before you speak, ask: Is this going to inspire? Is this going to motivate? Is this going to encourage? I have a deep value as a leader: Shelf your first response. Why? Because your first response may be flesh. Your second response has usually been filtered through the Holy Spirit. The fruit we want is God-fruit. So slow down. Test it. Then speak. Don’t Overburden the People Now let’s talk about frequency and weight. As leaders, we feel the weight of ministry. We feel the need for excellence. We feel the vision. But here’s the distinction: You are in leadership because you are anointed for it. God equips the ones He calls. But the people under you may not yet be anointed to carry the same weight you carry. And sometimes we make the mistake of expecting them to bear our burden. That’s unfair. Some will rise. Some will grow into it. Some are being called up. But not everyone is ready to carry leadership-level pressure. If we overburden people who are not yet strengthened for it, we will crush them instead of develop them. We can love people into leadership. Coach people into leadership. Develop people into leadership. But we cannot pressure them into it. If we’re not good stewards of who God has entrusted to us, we’ll damage the very people we’re called to build. Closing God has given us the opportunity to build His church. To love people. To lead people. To shepherd His flock. Let’s do it well. In Jesus’ name.