Winning on Purpose

I have set a goal for myself this week in reading John Kaiser's book Winning on Purpose: How to Organize Congregations to Succeed in Thier Mission (2006) Abingdon Press. I desire to gather some needed background on how to strategically help a plateaued or declining church get back to its God-given purpose in making disciples for Jesus Christ. The organizational strategy developed in this book is called "Accountable Leadership". If I believe that mission happens naturally in congregations through business as usual, then the only kind of pastoral leadership I need is operational leadership: someone to preach the Word, conduct services, oversee programs, and keep the campers happy. If, however, I believe that mission happens only through the courage to continually realign an organization's culture with the values of Christ, then I need something more as a pastor. I need to exercise transformational leadership that comes with entrusted authority and accountabilty toward the objective of making disciples. Good leadership goes where good leadership is supported. As a pastor looking for my next charge, it is very important that I be intentional in my questions when I ask search committees what they are looking for.