Congregational Leadership

Leading From Within or Without?

Ten years ago my wife and I made it a priority to travel to different parts of the country to experience the different subcultures of the US. This, of course, was when we had two incomes and no kids. Times have changed. But I still reminisce through our many pictures of the rich experiences we had together.

One of my favorite trips was to the Northeast. We traveled around Maine and then made our way down the coast landing in Boston. I had a very specific mission while in Boston: find a particular park bench in the Boston Public Garden. It was this same bench that made an appearance in a movie I saw in college, Good Will Hunting. In one of the more moving scenes in the film, Sean (Robin Williams), a psychologist and college professor, is sitting on the park bench talking to Will (Matt Damon), a troubled orphan from South Boston. Will is an interesting character. He lived a troubled childhood in the slums and fighting was his favorite recreational activity. But Will is also a genius. Whether it’s history, art, or mathematics, his knowledge seems to know no bounds.

It’s in this scene that Sean seems to break through to Will, something that has been impossible for any other psychologist who tried to counsel him.  Sean explains to Will that knowledge of something pales in comparison to the experience of the same. For example, Sean concedes that Will can cite many facts about Michelangelo and his work on the Sistine Chapel. But Sean also points out that Will has no clue what it’s like to look up at such beauty and to experience the profundity of such art. Likewise, Will can explain in great detail the psychological and sociological aspects of true love, but he lacks the experience of receiving or giving a love that is unconditional and lasting. It’s clear that his point hits Will between the eyes. I, too, was deeply impacted by this wise insight. And while it might be silly, I have a picture in my office of Jenelle and I sitting on that bench as a reminder of that wisdom.

As a pastor and spiritual leader to a congregation I was constantly faced with a challenge: not allowing my talk about God’s love to replace an experience of God’s love. Ironically, it was a much more intense challenge as a pastor than it was when I worked a secular job my first two years out of college. One might think that a life of ministry, free from many of the influences of secular culture that those we lead have to deal with, would naturally foster an upward spiral toward holiness. Sadly, this is rarely the case for those in ministry. In fact, oftentimes for many the exact opposite is the reality. For those of us in ministry God-talk flows out of us on a daily basis. The problem is that it’s easy to be duped into thinking that our constant God-talk is fostering in us an intimate connection to God. I confess that there were moments in my ministry that were so hectic that when I did finally get a break, or go on vacation, the last thing I wanted to do was engage in God-stuff. I’m ashamed of those times, but as I shared openly with others in ministry, I quickly learned that I was not alone. It’s a serious challenge and one that if not overcome can lead to burnout, bitterness, and even spiritual death.

I recently read an article by Eric Jackson on Forbes.com entitled, “The Seven Habits of Spectacularly Unsuccessful Executives.”[1] Now, I’m one who gets anxious about corporate models of leadership being applied to ministry leadership. I’m even repulsed by parallels drawn between CEO’s and pastors. However, as a student of leadership theory and practice, I enjoy reflecting on many aspects of leadership whether secular or spiritual. Jackson’s fifth habit is, “They [Executives] are consummate spokespersons, obsessed with company image.” Of these executives, he says they are, “…high-profile executives who are constantly in the public eye.  The problem is that amid all the media frenzy and accolades, these leaders’ management efforts become shallow and ineffective. Instead of actually accomplishing things, they often settle for the appearance of accomplishing things.” It’s a convicting point on which those in ministry should reflect. Maybe another way to state Jackson’s point is, “These executives’ talk portrays a level of depth, maturity, and health that is contrary to reality.” They’re image-driven people-pleasers who seem unconcerned with what’s going on below the surface. It’s this same demon that lurks about and seeks to devour those of us in ministry. We never intentionally land in this trap, but unfortunately many in ministry fall victim to this condition.

In this season of new beginnings and fresh commitments, I reflect on the condition of my own soul. Does the image I portray to my students align with the reality of what is going on below the surface? Have I allowed my talk about God to replace my communion with Him? Am I practicing habits that lead to spiritual health, or those that lead to spiritual death?

Last Fall Danny Goddard, pastor of in New Castle, Indiana, sent in a letter he wrote as an encouragement and challenge to new ordinands. It’s a simple letter that details the lessons he’s learned about how to stay healthy while in ministry. I don’t think the way to avoid the trap has to be complex. Instead I think the key to healthy leadership is reclaiming and reorienting oneself toward the basics.  Those who read this letter may not learn anything new. But that is beside the point. The real question is whether or not we are implementing these simple nuggets of wisdom. For the rookie to the veteran, we publish his letter this month as a means of reflection for all who find themselves in ministry leadership.

Dear Ordinand,

My congratulations to you.  The day I was ordained was one of the most special days of my life.  It is a day that I re-live every year in the ordination service.  I now look back over thirty years of fulltime pastoral ministry and I am glad to report that I have learned some things along the way.

Recently I was in a mega buffet restaurant.  The salad bar alone stretched as far as the eye could see!  A sign welcoming the guests offered good advice:  “PACE YOURSELF.”  Not only is that true in eating at a buffet, but it is just as true when you are a minister trying to lead people.  As a matter of fact, the Bible has much to say about “redeeming the time” (Ephesians 5:16) as we grow and mature in the faith.  Allow me to pass on a few things I have learned.

1.    Spend time in the Word. 

You’ll do this week after week to prepare sermons, but you’ll also need to spend time in the Word for your own spiritual formation.  Over the years, I have tried to begin each day at the altar of the church.  Many times, unfortunately, as work was mounting, I have skipped this practice.  On one such stressful, day my secretary came into my study about mid-morning and said, “Will you please go into the sanctuary because both your day and my day go a lot better when you start the day at the altar!”  There is no way we can give anything out if we fail to take anything in.  Read the Bible for your own spiritual growth.  Sermons will come out of your own personal journey.

2.    Spend time in prayer. 

Even Jesus, with the time-consuming task of building the Kingdom of God, took time to get alone with His Father.  The enemy will make you feel like you are wasting time.  Bill Hybels wrote a book and the title says it all: Too Busy Not to Pray.  There have been days when I was so stressed with all that I had to do that I felt absolutely overwhelmed.  In days like that, I have learned that the best thing I can do is spend some time with the Lord.  It is amazing how everything else begins to fall in place.

3.    Spend time with your family. 

Don’t be a martyr in the ministry.  I’ve seen and heard some pastors almost boast of never taking a day off.  Jesus advised His disciples to get alone and rest awhile (Mark 6:31).  Now there will be weeks when days have to be adjusted, but make sure you take one day off each and every week.  For me, that day has always been Monday.  After giving all I had on Sunday, I’m just not worth much on Monday.  That’s my family day.  Sandie and have a date all day long on Monday.  We almost always get out of town.  We go fifty miles to Indianapolis.  Some Mondays we go to Cincinnati.  When we pastored in a small town in Nebraska, we would drive two hours to the nearest Baskin Robbins, get an ice cream cone, and drive back.  It just does wonders to get away and play with your family.

4.    Spend time in study. 

I have always tried to keep a book and pen with me.  Even on my day off, as Sandie shops in a mall, I’m usually found on a bench reading and taking notes.  It’s not necessarily for sermon preparation but to just keep my brain alive.  I have to always be in the business of looking for new thoughts.

5.    Spend time developing “preacher’s eyes.”

As I preach, I tell lots of stories about things that happen to me every day.  Over the years, people have commented about how so much happens to me, but the truth is, it happens to them, as well.  They just don’t see it.  I have learned over the years to see a spiritual truth in just about every mundane experience I have.  No matter what happens to you on the highway, in the grocery store, or walking down the street, “It’ll preach!”

6.    Spend time taking care of yourself.

Things happen to our bodies over time.  During the past few years, I have begun to see the importance of exercise and proper diet.  I don’t do nearly as well as I should, but I am becoming more and more aware of the necessity.  I do now have a membership at the Y and I do try to at least get my walking in.  I will be of no benefit to others if I don’t take care of myself along the way.

The highest calling in life is that of a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What a privilege and what a responsibility are ours.  In order to be the very best I can be, I have to spend time in the Word, in prayer, with my family, in study, developing “preacher’s eyes,” and taking care of myself.  I believe God will richly bless your efforts.

For Him,

Danny Goddard, Senior Pastor
New Castle First Church of the Nazarene