Senior pastors are workplace leaders too

Rob Streetman Feb. 3, 2016

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As a consultant and minister to workplace leaders, I have noticed an unfortunate disconnect; a self-imposed separation between church leadership and leaders in other areas of society.  Business, government and education leaders see senior pastors as, well, pastors. Most of the senior pastors I know struggle with the same identity limitations.

I would like to offer a renewed perspective on the role of senior pastor as a workplace leader. Let’s start with a couple of definitions. First, the workplace is the place where most people spend most of their waking hours — as employees, customers, suppliers, partners, etc. Clearly, church organizations — with employees, suppliers, partners and the people they are trying to serve – are a significant sector of the workplace.

Second, a leader is anyone in a position to influence others. When we consider God’s way for influence — making disciples – we quickly see that the senior pastor has the greatest potential for influence in his community. In God’s kingdom, the senior pastor is at the top of the influence pyramid.

There was a time when the senior pastor of a church was recognized by the community as the senior leader in the workplace.  Sadly, much of that influence has been lost.  The encouraging news here is that God is in the restoration business; and He has not given up on the workplace — particularly that part which is closest to His heart.

Let me be clear about something: I am not proposing that a church be run like a worldly business. In fact, I believe we have too much of that in the church already. God has a way for everything — including running a business. His way is above, more than, even supernatural.

As a leader of leaders, the senior pastor has an incredible opportunity to be God’s instrument for the advancement of His kingdom in the workplace. But first, he must get a handle on his identity and begin running his business God’s way. I am here to help you do that – to encourage, edify and equip you as disciple maker and transformation agent; that you might become a leader of leaders. 

I hope you will join me on this adventure. I promise it will be exciting... and a bit frightening. Don’t worry about the fear. God has a way for dealing with that. Once the fear is gone, the journey will be all excitement!! In the meantime, ask the LORD to stir up the desire He has placed in your heart for kingdom leadership. 

Look for more workplace ministry tips in the near future. 

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Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More »

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