One of the biggest questions you can ask about your leadership is:
“Are those who report to me headed in the same direction as me?”
A local church will rarely grow beyond the skill and passion level of her pastor. As that person does, so does the local church, for better and for worse. It is a heavy burden to bear but it is the reality of life. Most of the time, not surprisingly, the pastor of the local church is not naturally gifted at evangelism. The key word is “naturally.” He is usually more introverted and oriented toward speaking and teaching gifts. He would rather spend time studying than out with people trying to actively lead them to salvation. That’s okay. God can take a person like that and bring about exciting change.
Remember this important principle: as a pastor changes so changes the local church. God isn’t interested in a pastor’s natural gifting. God tends to use us most profoundly in the areas where we lack a natural inclination. It is there we learn the most into God for strength and results.
To the degree the senior leader owns his responsibility in leading the way for evangelism God will be able to break through and do something significant. Until the senior leader owns this role little will happen. Tell God you are willing to step up. He will impart his desire. Then step out.
