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Home » Church Leadership, Featured

Leaders Without Titles

Submitted by James Higginbotham on October 29, 2008 – 5:44 am2 Comments

Last week, I wrote a post titled “Our Church Has a Management Problem”, where I suggested that church staff are often managers rather than leaders. So, the question needs to be asked – “Can I lead others in my church without a title or staff position?” My answer: yes!

Mark Sanborn said it best when he titled his book: “You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader”. Just because you help park cars on Sunday mornings or keep the coffee pots full, you can be a leader. All it takes is finding a cause and creating change.

In fact, I believe that being a leader and not a staff member can often make an even stronger impact.
When staff members are trying to recruit others to get behind a cause, many see it as just another staff-driven program. When a volunteer recruits others for a cause, they are giving their own time and resources. Church staff may be able to allocate a budget and a team, but volunteer leaders can only give from what they have – that is powerful!

So, if you are discouraged because you have an idea but you aren’t a full-time church staff member, cheer up! This could be the best possible situation as you look to recruit others that believe in the same changes you do.

No title at your church? Good! Now you are really ready to lead!

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2 Comments »

  • Larry Baxter says:

    James – Good stuff! Between this post and “The Church Needs You to Lead”, it sounds like you may have been reading Seth Godin’s new book “Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us”? If not, it’s one you might want to check out. With the current economic situation, our church sure is having to rely on volunteers a lot more than it has in the past. In my opinion, that’s a very good thing! :) — Larry

  • Larry – yes, I’ve read it. In fact, I just started it again (been a while since a book caused me to read the last page and then start over). It is making me realize that the church needs us to lead, we needs us to step up now, no matter that our position or title.

    For those interested, here is a link to the book: Tribes – Seth Godin

    Thanks for your comment and kind words Larry!