By Ken Swatman
Read the main article, “Leading People Toward Redemption and Restoration (Part 1),” by Ken Swatman
Although we may bristle at the idea, pastors are seen as leaders and given the positional authority of leadership in most local churches. We may attach “servant” or “visionary” to our pastoral titles to lessen the authoritative stigma and add an air of humility, but it doesn”t change the fact that, as pastors, we are biblically, socially, and spiritually in a position of leadership.
As pastors, we are called by God and our congregations to shepherd, feed, and protect the flock, and yes, discipline the flock when it strays. We have been given positional authority, biblical authority, and a leadership title, but to be successful we must also have credibility. Authority, even biblical authority, without credibility is simply a poorly decorated autocracy.
Credibility in pastoral leadership is the crossroads where the truth of the message and the quality of the messenger meet; it is where the work of the Holy Spirit seeks to inspire belief in those who hear the message. Whether it is a well-crafted sermon, a vision-casting conversation, a staff coaching session, or an issue of church discipline, the quality and character of the leader””above and beyond his positional authority””will create or break down a culture of credibility.
Simply put, people want to believe “who” their leaders are, not just what they say or do.
This is a crucial piece in the practice of church discipline. Let”s face it; church discipline is one of the toughest aspects of leading a congregation. No one likes to be confronted, exposed, or challenged by authority when he or she does something wrong. If people believe in who you are, not just what your position or title stands for, then they will more likely allow you to speak truth, even hard truth, into their lives.
It is easier to be challenged by someone we believe cares for us, or who understands and wants what is best for all involved. We respect and listen to leaders who are courageous in their willingness to tackle the tough issues of redemption and restoration.
Here are a few suggestions on how to create a culture of credibility as we lead our congregations through the complex issues of life and faith.
Time Spent
Credibility is earned, and earning credibility takes time. It is my experience people are reluctant to put much credibility in a leader who has a history of pulling up stakes. It really comes down to agenda. Leaders who make a habit of moving from ministry to ministry are perceived as not being committed to the people they lead, but to their own agenda.
It takes at least three to five years to create a culture of credibility in a church””to create an environment where there is a sense that the leader is known by, and knows, his people. Positional authority will carry a leader for six to 12 months, but then the credibility factor is largely defined by the quality and character of the leader, not just the position.
Time allows for consistency in message, behavior, decision making, and relationships. Not every decision has to be right, nor does every relationship need to work out for credibility to be established. It is consistency, not necessarily perfection, that builds credibility.
People will respond with trust to a leader willing to walk the distance. They will be willing to rely on a leader who will stand with them through uncertain and painful times, as well as times filled with joy and peace.
Authenticity and Transparency
Authenticity will go a long way toward creating an environment of credibility. Longevity works well to build a consistent pattern of leadership, and will help bridge the credibility gap, but it must be coupled with the intentional practices of authenticity and availability.
One of the most unnerving moments in my ministry career was the first time my neighbor attended the church I was leading. I instantly thought, What does he know about me at home that I don”t want known here? It was a question of credibility: would my neighbor trust me as a pastor and leader as he remembered what he knew of me as a neighbor?
What about you? If your neighbors came to your church, would they see consistency in your words and actions? Being an authentic pastor, parent, spouse, neighbor, Christian, and friend is essential for building credibility as a leader.
This does not mean I must air all my dirty laundry before a watching congregation so they can see I am real. Nor does it mean I must hide behind a false façade of having it all figured out. Credibility comes from being real with people.
I have struggles, successes, failures, sins, good moments, and bad moments. I struggle with marriage, family, faith, finances, hurts, and immorality””just like the people I lead. As we work to put off all false pretense and grow through the issues of our personal and professional lives, people will respond with trust and willingness to follow our leadership.
This is especially true in the area of church discipline and restoration. Authenticity and credibility on the part of a leader removes the assumption of condemnation and judgment from church discipline. It opens the door to authoritatively confront sin while at the same time leaving room and encouragement for the restoration and redemption of those who are being confronted about their sin.
A Commitment to the Authority of Scripture
As church leaders, our credibility comes from our willingness to submit to the authority of Scripture. Our personal lives must be characterized by biblical values and truth. Our professional identities””our decisions, interactions, values, and relationships””must be formed by Christ”s authority over the church.
We teach biblical truth. We set the vision and course of the church based on biblical ideals and values instead of institutional traditions or vain ideologies. We empower and release people to ministry for God”s purposes, not to accomplish our programmatic agendas.
We discipline for the biblical purpose of protecting the flock and creating an environment of redemption and restoration, not to punish bad people. Scripture is not a club to hit people over the head with to get them to fall in line; Scripture is a tool pastors and leaders use to teach people and to help shape their lives and faith.
The truth of Scripture and our love for God and his people must lead the charge in every aspect of our leadership and ministry if we are going to create a culture of credibility. People long for credible leaders. Pastoral credibility is earned through time invested, authenticity, and biblical authority lovingly taught and practiced in the life of the body.
Ken Swatman is senior pastor with Oregon City (Oregon) Christian Church. He served as a police and fire chaplain for six years and is certified in crisis intervention and stress management.
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