Searching for a DS
South Carolina recently elected a District Superintendent to oversee the Nazarene churches in our state. I played a role in that election and I learned a few good and bad things about life, ministry and leadership that you might find interesting, especially if you are Nazarene.
The Positives
People Care
There are a lot of people who care about their church and the Church. They are not passive in their care either. They are willing to sacrifice for the welfare of the Church and they are a testimony to God’s Kingdom.
We are getting better with race issues
We elected a Latino DS in a predominantly Anglo district. While we are growing in our diversity, it is a testament to the people of South Carolina that they recognized the best leader as the best leader and, with a 97% vote, declared their support of the minister who was the best fit. Skin tone did not matter to us, qualifications did. Yes, there is still more work to do but this point says, “we are getting better…” not, “we have arrived…”
People look to and respond to leaders who lead with love
I saw this over and over again through the gifted leadership of many people, lay and minister. This process reminded me that people who know you are passionate about them will often respond positively to the direction you give, especially if that direction is thoughtful, intentional and communicated clearly.
The Holy Spirit can still be trusted with His Church
Humans can get caught up in processes. We can get worked up over what we think can be done better. We see people squabble over which process is better. However, the God I see in scripture keeps using human beings, with all the joys and messes we bring to the table, and ends up advancing His plan. This process showed me how interested God is in His Church and to what lengths He is willing to go in order to help us learn what it means to be more like Jesus.
The Negatives
Rumor
I discovered that people love rumors. I can honestly say that I do not believe anyone was trying to be malicious in spreading things that were unfounded. However, the search for a DS really made me see how quickly people will embrace and share “information” without doing any work to discover its truth.
Right and Left
No, I don’t mean politically. I am referring to the disciples who wanted to know if they could be on Jesus’ right and left when he set up his kingdom (see Mark 10). It is remarkable how a vacancy in the position of a district leader can cause people to immediately think they are the best person for the job and that everyone else thinks the same. Maybe it is a tool of our enemy to mess with the mind and heart, causing leaders to think more highly of the self than they ought.
Changing Perspectives on Executive Leadership
It used to be that the position of DS was one that any pastor would aspire to. The role, or at least the perceived value of the role, has changed. Thankfully, SC has elected a great servant leader as our DS. However, fewer and fewer pastors are willing to consider leaving the local pastorate and accept the role of DS.
There are other positives and negatives that I could share but these are the ones that stood out above all the rest. I am thankful to be a part of the Nazarene Family and this process of electing a District Superintendent has me filled with hope for our future.