Being a Visionary Leader

In pastoral ministry there are really three biblical words that describe a pastor.  One is that of overseer.  One who guards over or watches over the congregation.  Second is that of Shepherd.  It is where we get the term pastor.  He Shepherds primary role is to feed and nurture the congregation.  The third word is Elder.  Elder describes the role of visionary leader.  The Scripture says that without vision or revelation the people will perish (Prov. 29.18).  So what does that aspect of pastoring look like.  What are the characteristics of a Visionary Leader?

1. He is a Coach.  Being Pastor does not mean, that it needs to be, "my way or the high way." but it does mean that as God imparts His vision/revelation for the congregation I need to coach them in doing what He is calling us to do.  A Coach will mentor, teach techniques and encourage his team to accomplish things bigger than themselves.
2. He is an agent of Change.  I know there it is that dirty word, CHANGE.  Very few people in the world really enjoy change.  Even as pastors we don't really like to change.  But if we are listening to the master we are aware that He is calling us and the people we shepherd to change. We must embrace it and be the one willing to take the first steps toward change and faithfully challenge others to do the same.
3. He is to set Direction.  In most modern church growth guides we are instructed to form a team or have the entire congregation come together and determine direction.  While that sounds really good, I really don't believe that is biblical.  I don't recall in the Scripture an admonition to form a vision team.  The closest we get to that is in the book of Acts when the elders of the church prayed through and set aside Paul and Barnabas in direction of the Holy Spirit.  As leaders we must listen to the Holy Spirit and give direction as He leads.
4. He is a spokesperson or the mouth piece of God.  As a pastor God has given you the privilege to be His mouth piece.  Don't take it lightly.  Don't let it go to your head.  Remember God also spoke through a Donkey!  And certainly bring others around you to affirm that you heard correctly.  But you are going to have to speak His vision to the congregation He has entrusted you to lead.  So, cautiously, respectfully, and humbly speak.

We need vision to be all that Go wants us to be.  Don't miss His great purpose for us as His shepherds to lead people to His vision!

Why Membership

In today's church culture it is a trend to not expect anyone to "join" the church.  In other words we should not expect people to become members.  Attending church is enough.  Is this correct?  Why would we expect membership?  Is it Biblical?

We should take a moment to acknowledge that in the early church there was not a question of church membership.  It was not even mentioned.  Why is that?  Because in the early church making a commitment meant that you were part of the Body.  Period.  The idea that you might need to join was a non-issue.

What has changed?   Well the church has changed.  The church has become an institution.  The invitation has also changed, not to mention the terminology.  We have begun to invite people to get saved instead of inviting others to become followers of Christ.  That is something to chew on and discuss more in depth at another time.

So are there good reasons for encouraging people who come to Christ or believers who begin to attend the Church to join in membership?  Yes I think there are.  Milfred Minatrea in his book Shaped by God's Heart (pg. 32)  shares four reasons NorthWood Church gives for people to join their church.  We would do well to think on these reasons and perhaps share them with the people who are attending the Churches we serve.

1. A biblical reason: Christ is committed to the church.  In Ephesians 5.25 Paul writes, "Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her."  This reminds us that Christ gave all for His church and we should love the Church because He loves the Church and commit to it. 
2. A cultural reason: It is an antidote to our society.  Especially, in the American Church we find consumerism running rampant.  It seems a novel idea to some that we would join a church to serve rather than be served.  The statement, "what have you done for me lately." seems the common call of many church attenders.
3. A practical reason: It defines who can be counted on.  As NorthWood points out every team has a roster, every school has an enrollment, every business has a payroll and even the army has an enlistment.  We, the shepherds of the church need to know who is with us and to what level they can be counted on.
4. A personal reason: It produces spiritual growth. The New Testament is clear that we really cannot be all that God intends for us to be on our own, fellowship is required.  We need the accountability and encouragement that we get through long term relationship with other believers.

Membership really does matter.  Leading on purpose means we might have to engage our congregations to make membership a priority,