Shane Ash

I love to write out what is bouncing around in my head…and recently I have been given a small writing project (certainly nothing to brag about…but for me it is a life-goal to do some writing so this is good practice). I am supposed to be working up a couple of short articles on the lessons I have learned in my first year of being a lead pastor. This creates a bit of a problem for me…because I have had to learn and re-learn so many leadership lessons, I have a lot I want to say…but not enough time or words to say it all. So what to do…ah, I will begin to share the rest on the ole’ blog…so, here is one of the brief bouncing thoughts I have forced into landing on paper.

“As a pastor, I am learning to surround myself with leaders who take their work seriously, but not themselves. In church leadership there are always some who need a leadership role to feel valued, and others who simply value the role. I want to be surrounded by people who value the role and don’t need to feel value from the role.

The reasons are obvious; as Christians we are called to servant leadership not selfish leadership. And those who take themselves too seriously are the ones who drain you of energy, vision, and passion for the ministry. Servant leaders add value to you as a pastor, confirming and directing from an objective point of reference with the desire to add value rather than steal it.

I am learning to pay attention to key words and actions that help me determine who surrounds me in leadership. Beware of the person who demands to be included in decisions even when it isn’t part of their direct role, or the person who constantly complains about others in leadership, and especially the person who gives their opinion more often then they ask questions. Build around you those who often speak words of encouragement, who can speak opposing views without de-valuing others, who question you in order to better hear you, who can excel in a given responsibility while giving credit to the team, and those who seek to dream even bigger than you.”