Comments on: Hiring an Executive Pastor? (Part 1)

By: Hiring an Executive Pastor? | Mike Bonem

Hiring an Executive Pastor? | Mike Bonem — Thu, 31 May 2012 06:16:55 +0000

[…] is Part 2 of a blog on hiring an executive pastor. The first part focused on the good (and bad) reasons for creating the position. Here I address the keys to success […]

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 31 May 2012 02:42:04 +0000

In reply to Jane.

Thanks, Jane. Good point that second chairs need to be ready to accept responsibility. When you’re in this position, you shouldn’t hide behind the first chair when things are tense. You should lead together in good times and bad.
I’ll join in praying for your healing.

By: Jane

Jane — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:40:55 +0000

This is a great article! I serve as Executive Pastor at our church, and the fit is perfect. Our Senior Pastor is an amazing visionary, teacher, leader who is also very relational. God has “rounded” out his leadership by bringing my giftset onto the team. I have been working with him for about 6 years. God has given me the ability to grasp the vision on a deep level and help our team implement it.
Leadership and ministry development are my passions. I agree with what you said about “free agents”. I am often referred to as the “glue” with our leadership. I spend a lot of time working with and encouraging our ministry leaders. I definitely do some administration as well, but it is not my favorite thing to do.
In my opinion, another key statement you made is that the Senior Pastor has to be willing to hand off some of their responsibilities. So true…and I know that can be hard for a leader. On the flip side, It is also important that the XP (second chair) will take these responsibilities and lead…while at the same time, have a spirit of submission to the leadership of the first chair. Our first chair/second chair relationship works well. I believe this has to be a God-orchestrated relationship.
I am currently on a sabbatical dealing with a health issue. Praying that God heals my body quickly and I can get back to doing what I love to do!
We are all working together to lead the ministry that God has entrusted to us. What an honor!

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 30 May 2012 18:57:03 +0000

Deb – I agree. It is wonderful for everyone when this kind of partnership occurs. Thanks for sharing your experience.

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:17:20 +0000

Loved this article. I stepped down from being an Exec Pastor a month ago because I knew God was saying it was time for a change in where I was serving. But I loved serving in that role. I loved coaching/mentoring and training others. I loved being a support to the senior pastor/couple. It was amazing.
It worked so well for us because we served, played and worked well together. I was a fit for them and they were a fit for me. It was a team in the truest sense of the word. We all connected well together. Where I was weak, they were strong. Where they were weak, I was strong. It fit. There was great humilty and love working in the relationships across the board. When all the parts are working the way God wants them to, having a senior Pastor/Exec Pastor team can be an incredible fit for the church. We all thrived and the ministry thrived because ultimately we each only wanted what was best for the church. Even when it meant we needed to change.The right team, the right people in the right roles can accomplish great things for the Kingdom.
I was honored to serve there and to experience what that kind of a Christ centered dynamic can look like.
Great article!