{ARGIEF}

The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question
– Peter Drucker

After a couple of years of ‘coaching’ pastors in partnership with both Allelon and RMN, I have come to the firm conclusion that those of us in ministry find it difficult to be evaluated. In a world where the pace of change is breath taking (see the video here and hold your breath – no one told us we’d have to confront such an unthinkable world), to take a hard look at the foundations of our leadership style is indeed challenging. Whether we are a Denominational Exec, a Mid Judicatory Staff member or a Pastor in a local church, standing in the midst of evaluation and critique is not an easy journey.
There are lots of reasons for this. Most of us in ministry live in a fish bowl atmosphere where often every word or action seems to be under scrutiny. Either people love us too much and think we are the ‘best thing since sliced bread’ and, therefore, choose not to give us honest feedback, or they tend to be critical or judgmental, leaving us both in a no-win situation.
No one can doubt that the demands on leaders have changed dramatically over the last two decades. The skills required to lead congregations in this period of discontinuous change are not the same skills we were taught in seminary nor are they the skills that will help us impact our neighborhoods with the kingdom values of the gospel.
I think a core piece of l helpful evaluation of ourselves in ministry is to understand some of the ‘hidden’ reasons why we chose the ministry. Read More…