4028 Theme 6: Vital Congregations: If The Spirit Doesn't Move, Then Push It

Presented by Dr. Wayne Clark
Director, UA Congregational Fundraising Services

This workshop addresses the four necessary skills of effective church leaders.

1. Intense clarity of vision

Effective leaders are clear about who the congregation is as a congregation, including who they are among themselves, their place in the community and where they are going. They get the big-picture and know how to guide people to the vision. Effective leaders are also passionate about things – they speak from the heart and have a deep connection with the congregation. They also instill confidence among the members – they see the glass as half full and can convey a positive view of circumstances. Effective leaders also challenge members in a non-threatening way. They don't motivate through guilt or making people feel bad. They also are aware of and use the subtle give and take of energy between them and the members of the congregation.

2. Creating meaning through passionate communication

Leaders understand that its hard work to lead, but they convey passion and energy while they do it. They understand that if you build it, they will come, but they won't stay unless they get involved. Effective leaders also understand that members are more likely to support something that is established and that they have heard of. Communication techniques should be varied, because different people respond to different types of communication – spoken, written, etc. And when communicating, they realize that quality of content is more important than quantity. They communicate a shared meaning of the congregational vision and focus on knowing the “why” instead of the “how.”

3. Maintaining courageous persistence

Effective leaders will take a defeat and rebound from it. They don't get defeated easily and are resilient. Their courage and persistence show in how they are and how they approach challenges. They believe in what they are doing and it shows. However, like all people, they may not always do everything right, but that doesn't stop them. They possess a clear sense of direction and go that way. Effective leaders know that new ideas will generate resistance and opposition and they understand the value of conflict and allow it to happen.

4. Possessing a positive self-regard

At their core, effective leaders possess a high level of self-esteem that helps to tie the three other points mentioned here together. They communicate well on a personal level and present themselves as authentic, honest and sincere. Effective leaders are team players, they understand the importance of the work, but don't let that go to their heads. There is a certain amount of self-knowledge involved, knowing their individual strengths and weaknesses. And they have a sense of discipline and the ability to look beyond themselves. They are willing to learn and know to match their strengths to the task. They make others feel important and set the bar high, but it is seen as a positive challenge rather than an obstacle to overcome. Effective leaders have clear boundaries and know how to say “no.” They have emotional wisdom – the wisdom to see people as they are and now how we want them to be, to operate in the now, to treat friends and strangers the same; they trust others and are willing to take risks. And finally, good leaders mentor others.

Reported for the web by Shannon Cocheo; edited by Lisa Presley

Unitarian Universalist Association
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