2. Prophet
Prophets are great at stating a problem. They can see when something is not working, and they are clever, persistent and persuasive in the way they communicate it. They make great preachers and writers. Often, prophets develop a large following but do not lead a large organization. They may write best-selling books, author popular blogs, and be in demand as conference speakers or pastor smaller churches. They’re good at being brutally honest, challenging others and convincing us that we can be better than we are.
The best thing about prophets is that they are usually right. When you hear prophetic speech, you often say, “Aw crap, that’s true. I do need to change.”
The worst thing about prophets is that they can tell you what’s broken but not how to fix it. Outside the church, they are called critics.
3. Teacher
Teachers are great at making complex things appear simple. They can give you six easy steps for just about everything from having a great marriage to understanding the Bible to leading a mission team. People love teachers because everyone needs practical guidance on something.
The best thing about teachers is that they are helpful. The problem is that they often state the obvious or are reductionists. Not everything is really as simple as they make it seem, and people may feel that they have outgrown them.
4. Visionary
Visionaries see a better future, and they’re great at making you see it too. They differ from leaders in that they are more interested in inspiring you to be creative than in directing you to a particular outcome. Jesus was a visionary, inspiring a movement. Paul was a leader, creating an organization. Visionaries make great orators, gurus, artists and mentors.
The best thing about visionaries is that they inspire you to do something great. The problem is that they leave you wondering how to do it.
It’s a Real Problem
The church needs each of the four types of leadership, of course. The problem is that pastors are usually gifted in only one or two areas.
As a result, many churches are a bit lopsided. They may be small but very dialed in on truth. Or they may be growing rapidly, overdependent on one person’s vision; energetic and optimistic but accomplishing little, etc.
A Simple Test
How do you know which of these is your pastoral leadership style? Your reaction to this post so far will probably tell you.
Prophets who read this will say, “What a mess. That just shows how far the church has drifted. We need to get back to Ephesians 4 or there isn’t going to be any church in the next generation.”
Visionaries who read this will say, “This is a time of great opportunity! God is moving the church forward. What is God calling you to do with this moment?”
Teachers who read this will say, “In your congregation, you need to help each person identify their giftedness, then direct them into ministries that allow them to express that in a way that benefits the entire body.”
Leaders who read this will say, “Whatever. Here’s how I see us reaching the next generation. Who’s in?”
Job satisfaction—to say nothing of missional effectiveness—results from knowing your pastoral leadership style and thriving in it. Do you know where you fit into the mission?
