Eastern District
Vision Pathways: Strengthening Clergy and Lay Spiritual Leadership
By Robert L. Flaherty

A clergy colleague and I were talking about the emphasis the church currently puts on the revitalization of congregations. In the course of conversation, my colleague said, "Maybe what we really need to focus on is revitalization of the leadership." That is precisely the fourth pathway proposed by the Council of Bishops: Strengthening Clergy and Lay Spiritual Leadership (see side bar).  I'm convinced that leaders know where they are going; they know how to get there; they enjoy the journey; they take others with them; and they will know when they arrive at the destination. I'll comment on each of these.

Leaders know where they are going. Sometimes we call this vision. It is clear to the leader what the end state will look like. He or she can plan the steps necessary to get there. I've found it helpful to begin at the end. After I've put in effort and taken action, what do I hope the end result to be?

Leaders know how to get where they are going. Once leaders have determined where they want to end up, they ask, "How do we get there from here? What do we need to learn? Who will teach us? Who will help get us there? Who needs to go on this journey with us?" Oh yes, leaders will usually ask, "How much will it cost -- in terms of money, energy, and effort?"

Leaders enjoy the journey. The destination calls them. They are excited about getting there. The journey itself becomes a joy. If this element is lacking, it is pretty difficult to convince others to join you on the journey.

Leaders take others with them. Most of the destinations we want to achieve in the church are places that we need to go in community. So, the leader who is excited about the destination and the journey will be better equipped to invite others to go along. When others agree that the end result is worth achieving, they sense the excitement, confidence, and commitment of the leader, and they are convinced the leader can get them there, they will be open to go along. The leader must be prepared to specifically invite them and clearly tell them what their contribution will be along the way.

Leaders will know when they arrive at the destination. When the leader has done the preparatory work, he or she will know what the end state will be. He or she will know about how long it will take to get there and will be able to read the signs of progress along the way. When the end state is achieved, the leader will know that, will be able to celebrate and will be ready to plan for the next journey.

So, if we start at the beginning, as leaders we are asking, "Where are we going?" I'm asking, "Where do I want to take the Eastern District?" I encourage the clergy and lay leadership of the congregations of our district to ask, "Where are we taking our congregation?"

Grace and Peace!

Bob