Pastoring from the Second Seat

Qualities of a Staff Pastor. You see the big picture. You are someone in a subordinate role. You add value to the church. You make things happen. You are the "go-to" person. You see the big picture. You are someone in a subordinate role. You add value to the church. You make things happen. You are the "go-to" person.

Qualities of a Staff Pastor. Have input into all aspects of the church. Are not necessarily the one with all the ideas. (Usually you are implementing other's ideas.) Have trouble writing out your job description. Have input into all aspects of the church. Are not necessarily the one with all the ideas. (Usually you are implementing other's ideas.) Have trouble writing out your job description.

1.Paradox #1: Subordinate vs. Leader The Tension: How do you submit and lead at the same time? The Response: Be humble. Be loyal. The Danger: The Law of Proportionate Potentiality The Tension: How do you submit and lead at the same time? The Response: Be humble. Be loyal. The Danger: The Law of Proportionate Potentiality

2.Paradox #2: Ministry Leader vs. Team Player The Tension: You were hired to do a specific ministry yet you are asked to do more. The Response: Be faithful. Work hard. Do your best. Give feedback. The Danger: Disunity and Conflict The Tension: You were hired to do a specific ministry yet you are asked to do more. The Response: Be faithful. Work hard. Do your best. Give feedback. The Danger: Disunity and Conflict

3.Paradox #3: Deep vs. Wide The Tension: You see the larger picture and you are the “go-to” person.” The Response: Develop leaders. Your role should always be changing. The Danger: Burnout and Fatigue The Tension: You see the larger picture and you are the “go-to” person.” The Response: Develop leaders. Your role should always be changing. The Danger: Burnout and Fatigue

4.Paradox #4: Contentment vs. Dreaming The Tension: Being satisfied with your role and looking to the future. The Response: Be patient. Trust God's timing. The Danger: Frustration and Disillusionment The Tension: Being satisfied with your role and looking to the future. The Response: Be patient. Trust God's timing. The Danger: Frustration and Disillusionment

5.Paradox #5: Staying vs. Leaving The Tension: Should I stay or should I go? When is God releasing me? The Response: Be faithful to the end. Don’t run away. The Danger: Not learning what God wants to teach you. The Tension: Should I stay or should I go? When is God releasing me? The Response: Be faithful to the end. Don’t run away. The Danger: Not learning what God wants to teach you.

Know who you are in Christ.

Pastoring from the Second Seat