Self-leadership

i’m not a paid staffer. i’m not even a staffer. i’m a volunteer. a volunteer that’s been extended leadership, responsibility & influence. i encourage, support, & lead a team of men and women who create safe environments for people to connect with community and experience Jesus. while i’m not on staff at gcc and i’m not paid for my service, there are still expectations set for me.

These words were written by Heather VanTuinen. She is a key leader in Turning Point. She leads a team of facilitators, leaders themselves. It is a challenging role. Heather is not just a good leader; she's a great leader! I trust her. I trust her...completely.

What makes a great ministry leader?

• loves Jesus, loves others, loves our church
• humility
• hungry to learn
• asks for help
• passionate
• willing to try even new things she hasn't done before
• willing to make mistakes (critical to the previous quality)
• assesses herself frequently
• accepts she is in need of grace
• extends grace

People often ask me, "How do you identify leaders?" Look for those who are leading themselves well. They don't have to be living perfect lives. In fact, their lives are often a mess. I look at how they respond, what they are learning, and what steps they are taking. I look for people who lead their lives by following Jesus.

Comments

[Julie Smies]

Your trust is not misplaced; Heather is a phenomenal leader!

[Kristin Baker]

Heather is amazing! I am learning so much from her and feel so incredibly privileged to get to know her recently. She rocks.

[Dawn Rierson]

Kathy,

I really loved this post. I can relate more than you can imagine! I guess I am your Heather at Good Shepherd UMC in Charlotte, NC. James-Michael Smith gave me the link to your blog and emailed me directly about this particular post.

I have been the Small Group Ministry Leader for about a year and a half now... basically his assistant. I too am not paid staff. We recently launched our first version of "Turning Point" and I was a leader, like Heather, of potential facilitators. I have to admit that I was kind of intimidated, as all the other leaders of leaders were paid Pastors on staff. As it turned out, my fears weren't warranted and I ended up training a great group of facilitators, and we even met an extra week for a social.

It was so nice to see a similar story to mine and gave me some added confidence that I needed. I am one of those hesitant to willing leaders, who loves her church,whose life is messy :) and acts like it is the highest paying job in the church. I wanted to thank you for being influencial in our Small Group Ministry. I am looking forward to our church-wide launch this fall! Thank you for a great example.

Blessings,

Dawn Rierson
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
Small Group Ministry Head
Charlotte, NC