Posts tagged ‘leadership’
Spiritual authority in the multicultural church
Today I want to ask you some hard questions starting with: Do you honor those in authority over you in your multicultural Church?
The reason I bring this up is that conflict will occur when you’re intentionally doing life together in the Church, but especially so when you add factors like race, gender, age, culture, etc.
Things to do to honor your leaders
- Listen to your leader.
- If you have a difference of opinion, talk to them in private.
- Pray for wisdom and clarity for your leaders! Remember, leaders will be judged more strictly before God, they need all the help they can get.
Things to avoid
- Avoid going above your leader when you don’t agree with them.
- Don’t start rallying the team behind their back.
- Avoid having a verbal fight in front of others.
What would you add or subtract to these lists?
Blog post by Peter Kihyun Park
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
Nikki Lerner on Women in Leadership – Part 3
How do other leaders, elders, and pastors affirm your leadership role?
I know it sounds similar, but, again, I am constantly affirmed by these people. The leadership culture here at Bridgeway is one of support, love, and camaraderie.
We are all “for” each other. I always know that my leaders have my back. The elders at my church continuously go out of their way to support me and are always available to gather with me to pray and lend an ear. They are really wonderful people.
The other pastors on staff as well have been so important in my own development as a leader of many. I would not be who I am today without that support and investment.
Why it is important for women to be part of supporting and leading in a diverse church?
God made women and we are different than men. It is an asset, not a liability that we are who we are. The way we see the world, the way we love, the insight into how women are created… all of these things need to be shared and experienced by the Body as a whole.
It reminds me of Paul’s description of how the Body of Christ works in 1 Corinthians 12. If the church were made up of all men, then the perspective would always be skewed. If the church were made up of all women, we would lose the wise perspective of men. We need each other. We cannot survive without each other.
Interview of Nikki Lerner, Bridgeway Community Church
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
Nikki Lerner on Women in Leadership – Part 2
How does the authority of Scripture affect the way you worship and do ministry?
It is the sole driving force behind why I do what I do and how it is done. Scripture is our highest standard for what our ministries and our worship is offered to God.
How does your leadership role work with the pastor of your church?
I have a WONDERFUL relationship with my Pastor. I really couldn’t ask for a more supportive, engaged, cheerleader. He has always taken great initiative to show his support and encourage me in my calling here at the church.
He is excited about the ministry here at the church and gives me great feedback. He is also not a micro-manager. I appreciate that, because it reminds me that he has full trust in who I am as a leader and how God speaks to me.
How has your leadership been received by the women who serve on your teams?
I believe that my position has been a great encouragement to the women whom I lead. I have been given a wonderful opportunity to lead them with kindness, gentleness, and love.
I hope that they feel affirmed by the “way” that I choose to equip them for the ministry ahead.
How has your leadership been received by the men who serve on your teams?
I would hope that the men whom I lead feel respected and affirmed by the way I choose to lead them. I am very intentional with the guys that I lead.
It is my responsibility as their leader as well as their sister in Christ to affirm who they are in Christ. I love that I get the opportunity to pour into them through leading them and I believe that God has positioned me to affirm who they are as men as well.
Interview of Nikki Lerner, Bridgeway Community Church
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.