Over the past several years the church I serve as lead pastor has grown significantly. We now have more than a 1,000 people who call New Life their church home. While our staff has also grown significantly, which is a great blessing, one of the biggest challenges I face as a leader is that I can no longer interact with every person on a personal level. Some in my situation would suggest that you just have to settle for leading through others and recognize that at this point being a leader of leaders is my calling.
I agree with that assessment for the most part–for the most part. Several years ago, I heard Andy Stanley say that the time comes when an organization grows larger that leaders say, “Since I can’t do a particular thing for everyone, I won’t do it for anyone.” That seems “fair.” But Stanley contends there is a better approach. He stated that in such situations remember to “do for the one, what you cannot do for everyone.” That is incredibly helpful advice. I have applied it over the past year or so more than ever, and it has been a great blessing, not only to those with whom I have ministered, but also to me.
If you’re thinking, “That sounds good, but won’t the many people you aren’t interacting with one-on-one get upset?” Some will. Some people will get upset no matter what we do as leaders. Our goal is not to make people happy, but to make Jesus happy. It’s so important for us to remember that. I still make a hospital visit now and then, or sit down with someone who is struggling with their faith, or an important relationship to listen and share with them. The vast majority of the folks at New Life understand that I can’t give each of them that kind of attention. Those who don’t will probably be more comfortable in a small church, where the pastor serves more in a chaplain role than as a lead pastor. In my experience the people who get upset are people who have already been in church, since unchurched people don’t have many expectations of church leaders!
I learned a long time ago from John Maxwell that we are going to lose people. Maxwell contends we get to choose who we lose. In my experience he is right. I do my best not to lose folks who don’t yet know Jesus. After all, if a lost person leaves New Life without coming to know Jesus as Savior and Lord, they may never come to know Him. I also make time to meet with staff or other leaders in the church who serve in one of our ministries when they have important issues. Beyond that, I seek to listen to the Holy Spirit in every situation, and to say, “Yes,” to folks who request my help when there is a valid need and my schedule permits.
While it is hard to say, “No,” for many of us, as our church, business or organization grows we will have to do it, or risk not being of great use, when those moments come when we really could have made a difference. Remember, you can’t do everything for everyone, but you can do for one what you can’t do for all!
Here’s to leading better by leading one person in an area where you can’t lead everyone–today! (or soon!)