Everyone needs a running mate. For the presidential campaign, it’s required. For ministry leaders, it’s just good sense. And while the vice presidential candidate may not be a key advisor, pastors need a trusted “second chair” who will shoulder the burdens of leadership.
Romney’s choice was probably driven primarily by political factors – finding someone to shore up the more conservative side of the party and potentially deliver one or more swing states. Running mates in ministry should never be selected for political reasons, but rather by prayer and discernment.
The selection of Paul Ryan was almost certainly influenced by Romney’s closest advisors and occurred after extensive vetting. Do you spend the necessary time listening to others and investigating the backgrounds before hiring someone for a senior leadership role?
Ryan appears to offer strengths and experience that complement Romney. That’s good advice for ministry leaders as well. Even though you may be drawn to someone who is very similar to you, the best approach is to find someone who shines in the areas where you struggle.
Given their differences, it is probably just a matter of time before Ryan says something that doesn’t align with Romney. (It always seems to happen with running mates.) Don’t be surprised when this happens with your second chair. Spend time to make sure that you understand each other and that you’re on the same page on the major issues, and then be willing to work through differences and slip-ups on everything else.
In politics, running mates seem to have the greatest value during the campaign, and relatively small roles post-election. The opposite should be true for you.
Whether you are looking for a running mate or already have one, whether you get to hand pick the person or a committee does the hiring, I hope that you will be blessed with a running mate that helps move the ministry toward God’s mission.]]>
Mike
