Ours is an individualistic culture. No surprise, then, that for most of us the word ‘leadership’ prompts a mental picture of ‘the person in charge’ – singular, not plural.In CL71 (appearing late January) James Lawrence urges an approach to leadership development that’s as countercultural as it biblical. And he begins with the sad story of Nigel (or Nigella).
Once upon a time there was a church leader called Nigel (it might just as well have been Nigella) .
Nigel arrived six years ago to find the church struggling with a stack of problems: high debt, low morale, no children or young people, and traumatic fall-out from a pastoral crisis in the recent past.
Some of the congregation were suspicious of Nigel. Others quietly hoped he would be their saviour. Fortunately, Nigel was certain that this was where God wanted him to be, and he loved the job and the people from day one.
He poured himself into the life of the church, getting to know people, prayerfully discerning a new direction, and working hard to enable action. In the first year there were small, encouraging signs of change, boosting the congregation’s level of expectation. By his second year financial giving was rising, a new service had started and people felt cared for. And though a few doubters remained, many people now thought that Nigel really was their saviour.
Came year three and things were buzzing. But, of course, the more Nigel did, the more work there was to do. The more he visited the sick, the more unwell people there were expecting a visit. The more he reached out within the community, the more there were to be reached. The more he started new things, the more things needed continuing.
Not surprisingly by years four and five Nigel was struggling. Facing exhaustion, he knew he couldn’t continue as things were. And yet everything was going well in the church – the bishop (or was it the area superintendant?) spoke warmly of what he had achieved. But Nigel knew that work at this pitch wasn’t sustainable. He started looking at job adverts in the church press. In year six, he left to take up a new post.
What would your message be for Nigel / Nigella?
