The Pastor's Soul Volume 5: Leading With Integrity

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

MAX DE PREE, FORMER CEO AND AUTHOR of Leadership Jazz, once said, "The number one responsibility of top management is to define reality."

That's true whether we're leading a corporation or a church, and establishing a mandate helps us to define that reality and to lead with integrity. Leaders need to ask, "Why are we operating? What are we about? What are we dedicated to?" Once these questions have been addressed and a consensus around their answers developed, a leader has a mandate, a foundation out of which to determine programs, recruit leadership, establish organizational culture, and figure out what and what not to do.

One critical function of a mandate is that it separates loyalty to the leader from loyalty to the cause. The leader has to say, "I am subservient to this mandate. You don't serve me. You don't make me happy. And don't keep me in charge unless I fulfill the mandate."

I was talking to ten pastors who all have Ph.D. degrees. One asked, "How can I get my church to do my program?"

I responded by asking him two questions. The first was, "Did you found the church?" No, he didn't. The second was, "Would you leave if you got a better offer?" Yes, he would leave.

"Then what right do you have to call it 'my' church?" I replied. "You'd be better off saying 'our' church."

While the leader is responsible for the initiation of the mandate, he has to build a consensus for it among people—first, that they buy into the mandate, and second, that they are willing to dedicate themselves to carrying it out.

Often leaders will put their friends, their associates, their politically loyal people into key positions, whether or not they belong there. It's easy to fall into this double agenda, this popularity contest. But we're not in ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.