Disruptive behavior in some churches is so common that it often becomes normalcy. What is more disappointing is that some pastors are the leaders of this imbalance.
A character trait as the feisty pastor, trumps what an inspirational leader looks like. An ongoing stance of adversity within the church and its members, is detrimental not only to the pastor, but likewise, to the community appointed to serve. Some research suggest that a feisty pastor adheres to this temporary protective state based on fear, anxiety caused by internal and external reasons, or even by a loss of self-confidence (Wilson & Rice, 2004).
The vital leadership skills needed to steer a Christian flock takes discernment, realness, integrity, prayerfulness, and a willingness to admit human fault. Understanding these key principles at their true sense, offer a road toward professional growth and leadership personality traits that can bring forth leadership capacity (Stoner & Gilligan, 2002).
In his viewpoint of the pastor as the interpretive guide, Osmer (2008), discussed the three primary practical duty interpretations. They are episodes, situations, and contexts. At the onset of change, he proposed the segmentation of four tasks questions and their functions.
Four primary tasks:
- The descriptive-empirical task asks, ‘What is going on?’
- The interpretive task asks, ‘Why is it going on?’
- The normative task asks, ‘What ought to be going on?’
- The pragmatic task asks, ‘How might we respond?’
Four discerning functions:
- The descriptive function-Listen as a pastor should
- The interpretive function– Search and apply for sagely wisdom
- The normative function-Prophetic discernment
- The strategic function– Apply the servant leadership model
Moving an organization proficiently from any form of adversity is a strategic process. It doesn’t happen overnight. The issues that are vivid are oftentimes easier to maneuver through. However, when working with the intangibles of say, changed behavioral patterns, one should apply patience throughout the process. There are many reasons a pastor becomes unreasonable. Conversely, it is only by taking the time to allow answers to specific questions to be produced that the healing of not just the pastor, but the congregation and community alike occurs.
References:
Osmer, R. R. (2008). Practical theology: An introduction . Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
Stoner, C. & Gilligan, J. (2002). Leader rebound: How successful managers bounce back from the tests of adversity. Business Horizons 45(6), 17-24. doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/S0007-6813 (02)00256-2
Wilson, M. & Rice, S.S.(2004). Wired to inspire leading organizations through adversity. Leadership in Action 24(2), 3-8. doi: http://dx.doi.org.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/10.1002/lia.1059
