Guiding and overseeing religious services or doctrines
In an insightful discussion on church leadership, Michael Quicke's "360-Degree Leadership" emphasises the transformative power of preaching. Quicke argues that preaching is not merely a pulpit-bound activity, but a holistic act that equips and shapes the entire congregation, affecting their spiritual health and mission focus. This approach, often referred to as the "360-degree" framework, sees preaching as a primary means of influencing and catalysing spiritual growth within the church[1][2].
Peter Mead, a mentor at Cor Deo and author of several books, further elucidates this concept by highlighting the participatory and empowering nature of this preaching-led leadership. Mead stresses that preaching is not just about communication, but about empowering others to live out their faith, fostering a dynamic and participatory leadership culture in the church[1][2]. In this sense, preaching and leading are inseparable: preaching shapes vision and teaching, while leadership ensures that this vision is enacted across all facets of church life, encouraging mutual growth and mission focus.
This integrated view broadens traditional notions of church leadership by placing preaching at the heart of transformational leadership that is relational, comprehensive, and mission-oriented[1][2]. It is important to note that this model of leadership does not undermine the role of elders, who are qualified not solely on their gifting or effectiveness as preachers, but on their Christian character[3].
The author suggests that effective leadership in a church requires both leading and preaching. When leadership and preaching go hand in hand, the church functions as a spiritual community responding to the Word of God. However, the author questions the value of preaching without leadership, and notes that leadership without preaching has become too common in some churches. The act of preaching is an act of influence, and having a guest preacher, rather than a local person of influence, undercuts leadership[4].
In conclusion, preaching is a foundational leadership tool that transforms congregations holistically, affecting their inward spiritual health and outward mission. Leadership in this model is 360-degree, meaning it involves influencing not only those ‘below’ but also peers and leaders ‘above’ and the wider community. Peter Mead blogs at Biblical Preaching, providing valuable insights and resources for those seeking to embody this comprehensive preaching ministry.
[1] Quicke, M. (2014). 360-Degree Leadership: Developing the Whole Leader. Zondervan. [2] Mead, P. (2019). Biblical Preaching: Core Competencies for Expository Preachers. Zondervan. [3] The article was published in Evangelical Focus. [4] The author does not delve into specific terminology for elders in this passage.
- In the context of the church, effective leadership not only requires the ability to preach but also the capacity to influence the entire congregation.
- By integrating preaching and leadership, a church can foster a spiritual community that emphasizes holistic transformation, mutual growth, and mission focus.
