The Pivot in Leadership

From clergy-led/lay-supported to lay-led/clergy-supported

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People in worship together praying

Here at Faith+Lead, we know the challenges churches are facing today. Both from our listening to many of you tell us about what’s going on in your communities of worship, to what we see every week in our own communities. We know two major problems are that pastors in some churches are burnt out, and that other churches can’t get a pastor at all. Of the four key pivots the church must make, we believe this pivot from clergy-led/lay-supported to lay-led/clergy-supported would be a great starting point in turning things around for the better in such cases.

Over the last few months on the Pivot Podcast, we have returned to this topic on three separate occasions, trying to get at the problems behind it, and potential ways forward from a number of different angles. Because we know the danger of a single story, especially as our team comes from various Christian traditions, in some very different settings throughout the country, as well as representing everyday people of faith, lay leaders, and ordained clergy. We’re always interested in hearing how these similar challenges manifest themselves in different contexts, and sharing these stories with you.

In June, hosts Dr. Alicia Granholmand Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile welcomed the Rev. Clara King, an Anglican priest and researcher to the show, to share powerful stories and insights about the transformative potential of lay-led, clergy-supported ministry that she has witnessed in her work in Canada.

In mid-July, all three of our hosts, Rev. Dr. Terri Elton, Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, and Dr. Alicia Granholm, delved into the evolving landscape of church leadership, exploring the shift from clergy-led to lay-led ministry models, and answered a number of questions posed by people just like you, who are currently dealing with all the ups and downs and ins and outs of this shift.

And at the end of July, hosts the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Dr. Alicia Granholm sat down with Vicki Elfers, who as a child was painfully shy and extremely quiet. Yet today, she preaches monthly sermons, leads Bible studies, and even conducts funerals! Her journey from behind-the-scenes church secretary to lay assistant to the pastor is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of nurturing lay leadership in the church.

But Pivot isn’t the only avenue Faith+Lead uses to explore this shift. Back in June, Faith+Lead blog contributor, Josh Retterer, wrote about his understanding of his own unique vocation as a lay-leader who sometimes takes on responsibilities traditionally reserved for ordained clergy in Say The Thing, Not Anything.

We also have a number of Faith+Lead Academy courses that could be helpful to both clergy and lay-leaders who are attempting to find their footing in this changing landscape. Including one specifically tailored for first-time preachers called, You’ve Been Asked to Preach: Now What?

We are here to help, and we love hearing from all of you. How have you seen this shift work out in your context? Is there an angle to this pivot that we’ve missed? Do you have any other questions? Please leave a comment below!

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with the Missional Leader Cohort