Most megachurch pastors don't really think of themselves as pastors. That's what the latest Leadership Network survey of 232 megachurch senior pastors reveals, as only 14 percent of those who lead churches of more than 2,000 people actually describe themselves as a "pastor, shepherd or spiritual guide." Instead, a whopping 81 percent think of themselves more as a "preacher-teacher," with 51 percent opting for the "directional leader" tag.
Given that, it isn't surprising that the overwhelming majority of megachurch pastors believe their strongest gift is preaching (79 percent) and casting vision for their congregations (77 percent). Only 10 percent say they're best at offering counseling or spiritual direction, while 7 percent think they're great at spending "one-on-one time working to convert others to the faith." A mere 1 percent says they're best at visiting with church members, the sick or shut in.
Interestingly enough, not all megachurch pastors are natural type-A personalities who thrive on being in front of people each week. The Leadership Survey found a near-even split among extroverts (55 percent) and introverts (45 percent)—though most in the latter group indicated they are only "somewhat" introverted.
"Overall the survey responses indicate that large-church senior pastors have a very positive outlook,” says Warren Bird, Leadership Network's research director and designer of the survey. “They show high levels of satisfaction from home to church, they get to spend many work hours doing what they think they’re best at, and most of them have the privilege of leading congregations that are growing in both number and conversions.” [leadnet.org, 6/15/09]
For more on this interesting study, click here.
Comments
If a leader believes he is called to lead and keep leading a mega church, he/she can not believe that this gives an excuse not to be primarily an agent of God's compassion and love. If his/her leadership of top quality and visionary and yet lacks the warmth of the Father's love, what is the message being communicated to the flock?
I remember listening to a man who led a church of 20, 000 back in the late 70's- earlier 80's who solved this challenge by making every meeting, no matter how large, a family session filled with compassion and warmth.
Of course it is literally impossible for a leader with large numbers to be personally with everyone. We have the example of Moses being corrected by Jethro as an example. Yet, when we avoid the truths of 1 Corinthians 13, what have we left? Quote
As one who has made that transition, I can honestly say that our members now receive better pastoral care (from other members of the body) than they ever did when we were small enough for me to provide all the pastoral care.
After all, CARE is what's important, not the deliveryman! Quote
I'm a pastor and I absolutely understand the pastors Quote
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