This isn't surprising. I did find it interesting that there are 2 things that are "top" or "best." Preaching and Leadership are tops or best. Is this in general? Or specifically? How do they do both best?

It's my understanding that if you do one best that the other isn't quite as strong...Am I wrong there?

Also, is there a direct correlation between them not thinking of quitting and the size of their church? Curious...

Sounds like me. ;-)

A megachurch pastor *must* have directional leadership gifts right? Otherwise it just wouldn't work.

I suspect that we'll see (mega)church leaders w/ almost exclusively high leadership gifts, that hand off the teaching to others.

I find it interesting that they consider leading and teaching to be above pastoring. I suppose this poll was directed at the men who are in the spotlight of the Church. I would like to see a poll of the many hundreds of others who work behind the scenes with the job description of "pastor"-- I'm sure the results would be different.

Ed,

I am in the concerned block. Point #1 sets the whole tone. What about the people they are supposed to shepherd and care for?

Why do they not just call themselves teachers or "directional leaders" instead of pastor?

Thanks for the post,

Phillip

I like the description in #1 "They think of themselves more as teachers and directional leaders than as pastors." But much of it is semantics. The American pseudo Christian culture defines a pastor as a glorified chaplain. The Biblical definition is more along the lines of leading, guiding, and teaching.

I find it interesting that they have not always worked in church. I think business people find it comforting to know that their pastor(s) has lived in the real world. And understand it. I know I do.

I am not at-all concerned that their family is at the top of their prayer list, and that leadership and teaching are of paramount importance to them. After-all, personality-centric church leadership will not necessarily make the kind of disciples we see in II Tim. 2:2. The real goal of a Pastor should be to get the "ministry" out of the hands of the "professional" ministers, and into the hands of the body of Christ where it can reach the world (who won't come to their church... mega, or-not).

It all makes sense. Jesus said to feed His sheep, and it seems to me that involves an emphasis on preaching. I'm not surprised they see that as their strength.

As to "shepherding" .. is that really a prime duty of a pastor in a NT church? Sheep need a shepherd because they're too stupid to stay out of trouble: is that what we're to expect of believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit?

Family being prominent in their prayers is right on target and indicates to me that you can pastor a mega-church and still have your head on straight.

I know that when my SS class members have needs, or are in the hospital, we all respond by ministering to them. We only have about 900 in worship, and there's no way our Pastor can minister personally to everyone.

I'm responsible for the "10 Things" report that Ed points you to. I also designed and oversaw the survey that it comes from.
 
Ed excerpted an excerpt. You're welcome to read the full illustrated report, which groups churches by attendance ranges, such as "500-999" or "3000-4999." It's linked at the end of "10 Things" or can be directly accessed here: www.leadnet.org/megachurch (no cost).
 
I look forward to reading your comments about it. Hope it's helpful to your ministry.

Family stays at the top of mind when it comes to prayers ...

To me, this is good news/bad news.

The good news is that mega-church leaders (aka pastors) recognize family as essential.

The bad news is those who primarily perceive prayer as personal limit the emphasis on corporate praying.

I wonder if "stage-oriented, pastor-centric Christianity" is being transformed by virtuality? http://tiny.cc/Hnd0Z

Just as books transformed global religious culture, so new social technologies are transforming emerging generational attitudes towards gathering.

how can you be a "directional leader" rather than a "pastor" and a great "preacher" at the same time? at some point doesn't your preaching become too ambiguous if you aren't connecting with people as their pastor?

Phillip,

I have actaully heard some use that terminology. "Directional leader" is one of those terms I have heard uses. Others include "lead pastor," "cultural architect," etc. In other words, they don't see themselves as pastors (in the spiritual gift sense) but they do believe they hold the office of pastor and function as leader.

Ed

If the pastor is the leader, the shepherd and the head of the church.. then who is Christ?

Where does it say in the scriptures that we are to rule as the heathen do: a pyramid of power from ONE man?

It is "the elders" that are to lead and teach. Not ONE man. That ONE man is Christ.

The bible is not against pastors of course. But our understanding of the role of the pastor as being an office has often quenched the work of the Spirit. Men are being headed by men.
Christ destroyed the veil, religion is raising it up again.

I say this because I have seen christians say that they trust in the leadership of the pastor. That this man will be responsible for their souls... this is sooooo dangerous and actually NON-BIBLICAL!!

We are NOT to trust in the flesh (not even in our own) but ONLY in the Word.

Praise the Lord