In the pursuit of becoming a great leader, Lance Ford found himself immersed in the fervor of the mid-90s Seeker church movement. However, his journey took an unexpected turn as he began to notice discrepancies between the teachings of Jesus and the prevailing leadership ethos. This realization led to his departure from the church he had founded, and a subsequent role at a prominent megachurch only solidified his conviction that a deeper issue permeated the church's leadership structures. What he discovered will challenge everything you thought you knew about leadership in the church.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to grow your church at any cost, then you are not alone! The relentless focus on numbers and programs may be leaving you feeling spiritually depleted, despite the outward appearance of success. If you're feeling like you have to put on a facade of perfection and always have all the answers, then you are not alone! The pursuit of a mega-church model may be causing you to neglect your own well-being and authenticity as a leader. If you're feeling like you're constantly comparing your church to others and never measuring up, then you are not alone! The endless cycle of competition and comparison in the pursuit of growth may be leading to burnout and a loss of true community within your congregation.
My special guest is Lance Ford.
Lance Ford, a well-established church leader and author, has made significant contributions to the faith community through his publications in recognized platforms like Christianity Today and Outreach magazine. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Lance has applied his expertise as a pastor and church planner to develop unique training systems utilized by network seminaries and leaders globally. Renowned for his insightful books, including "Unleader," "The Starfish and the Spirit," and "Missional Essentials," Lance has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within evangelical spaces. His latest work, "The Atlas Factor," critically examines the inherent pitfalls of traditional church leadership models, offering valuable insights and practical wisdom for church leaders and pastors aiming to establish healthier and more authentic leadership structures. Lance's extensive experience and authoritative perspective position him as a valuable resource for reshaping leadership dynamics within the faith community.
You're not wrong with those little red flags. When you go to the scripture again, you start seeing it. - Lance Ford
In this episode, you will be able to:
• Embrace authentic and servant-hearted leadership in your faith community.
• Explore the pitfalls of the mega-church model and its impact on leadership.
• Learn to shift the focus of leadership to Jesus for a more genuine approach.
• Understand the disillusionment with the leadership industrial complex and its effects.
• Implement healthier leadership structures for a more sustainable and impactful church.
Cultivating healthier leadership structures
Creating healthier leadership structures within the church is a salient issue across different denominations and sizes of churches. Institutions can draw on Jesus Christ's teachings for inspiration, fostering a balance of power that encourages servant-hearted leadership. By shifting leadership paradigms and prioritizing the fundamental teachings of Jesus Christ, churches can cultivate healthier communities that better serve their congregations and embody the true spirit of Christianity.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
• Join the Difference Maker community by visiting www.patreon.com/aWorldofDifference to access exclusive interviews and engage in deeper conversations with difference makers like Lance Ford.
• Purchase a copy of Lance Ford's book, "The Atlas Factor (https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Factor-Shifting-Leadership-Shoulders-ebook/dp/B0CQRJTZ3V?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kuLcV3Sj-ic_7V5yDKATPYgIhRWINj8mqZc2ierdwrHaWxrMmHZ5zlNPWwdcYd-MoGcXephb72VrMY-UReEjSXh4slwex1IsDNmsJXzKdexgRkjaGawxQc_AgiudIShLIRRc6j5-RIVNMeiDyqiPVAyVQCbf2PvKzdy9Xt79WJ5Y0_Ey_-ZD_7YDFniZvun0.09HCrURo5eMKmfImx1aDDF2mjhnE4CRRO9I0hswrZ0E&dib_tag=AUTHOR) ," to gain insight into toxic leadership systems and find hope for healthier faith communities. The book is available for purchase on various online platforms and in bookstores.
• Connect with Lance Ford for coaching, consulting, and training on church leadership and systems by visiting www.theatlasfactor.com (https://theatlasfactor.com/) or emailing info@theatlasfactor.com.
• Consider engaging in self-care practices to support your mental and emotional well-being, especially if the conversation has brought up challenging experiences or emotions. Take time to breathe, engage your senses, and prioritize your own health and well-being.
• Explore the free trial option for the Difference Maker community to acc...
