Dr. Jeremiah Johnston hosts Curtis Wallace and Brian Paradis, authors of “Lead with Imagination: Regaining the Power to Lead and Live in a Changing World.” Drawing from his experience in ministry domestically and abroad, Wallace says leadership development programs are critical.
“One person can’t do it all,” Wallace says. “Every individual has their own ministry capacity and has limits as to what he or she can do. What really separates the great ministries from the not-so-great is the ability to build a team and develop leaders on that team.”
Johnston and Wallace emphasize the importance of accountability in Christian ministry. “We need to be able to have vigorous debate and an environment where people feel safe to share ideas,” Wallace says.
Brian Paradis joins the conversation and shares wisdom from his and Wallace’s latest book. “When you can’t see what it is you want to take place, it’s hard to create it,” Paradis says. “The first step in any leadership journey is knowing where you want to go or seeing what nobody’s seen before, or understanding what the vision is.”
Part of following a vision is avoiding distractions, especially as a church leader, Wallace says. “You should do those things that only you can do because, as the pastor, you have to be freed to be effective,” he says. “If you don’t have time for prayer, study, and spending time with God, you cannot be the best that you’re going to be on Sunday. Our churches need to understand that they need to invest in teams to free the pastor to be the pastor.”
Other important concerns of leaders include acting with a loving motivation, incorporating lighthearted humor, and looking at things from others’ perspectives.
Wallace encourages individuals to not try to take on big callings alone. “If you don’t have the expertise, you need to have someone who does, and you’ve got to be willing to invest in that expertise,” he advises.
Curtis Wallace is an attorney known for assisting church and ministry leaders. Brian Paradis is a senior partner of CSuite Solutions. Together, they authored “Lead with Imagination: Regaining the Power to Lead and Live in a Changing World.”
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