Leading Up
Brent Isbill
One of the most rewarding parts about being a student pastor is the ability to shape this next generation of leaders in the church. On the flip side, one of the most challenging parts of being a student pastor is being low man on the totem pole in the organization. However, I am not one to sit back and be silent. Therefore, I have found several ways to lead up in an organization. One of the misconceptions about leading up is that you focus all your energy upward. However, one of the best ways to lead up is to lead down and to lead laterally. Why would anyone at the top take you seriously if you can’t successfully lead those who are under your leadership, as well as work effectively alongside your peers?
Also, leading up takes time and trust. This is where many get frustrated and give up. It takes time to gain trust, but ultimately if you gain the trust, you have gained the right and leverage to lead them and lead them well.
Finally, leading up takes identifying key leaders and building trust with them. Sue Miller touched on this at Orange 2008 when she discussed the importance of effectively impacting the students of key leaders within your church by placing their children with your very best small group leaders. When this takes place, you are going to easily gain the trust and support of these leaders and effectively springboard your ministry. In addition, one who leads well down and laterally generally earns the respect and trust of direct reports. This is critical to moving your ministry in a positive direction. It is important to realize you don’t have to go to the top to get an idea to the top. You just need to have the ear and backing of the right person or persons to make it happen. It is much easier to pitch an idea to someone who trusts you than someone who perceives you in a negative light. This does not mean we are to be manipulative, but building trust with key leaders will ultimately give you a stronger voice within an organization.
For me, it’s my executive pastor. He is an exceptional leader and mentor to me, so I want him to trust me. When given a task, I want to do it to the best of my ability, not only because I want to honor God, but I want to build his trust. I was fortunate early on to earn his trust and consequently it allowed me to have influence in ways I would not have otherwise had. I have been able to put books, DVDs, and podcasts in his hands, some of which he has used as resources in our larger staff meetings. This past year I was also able to get our education staff to attend the Orange tour in Dallas, as well as put on an event for married couples in our church. This does not mean he approves every idea I have, but he is willing to listen to what I have to contribute, and often my ideas are considered.
I have found leading up takes time and trust; don’t force it. Develop relationships with those around you, whether below, laterally, or above, and allow the Lord to open opportunities for you to lead effectively and in ways which will ultimately bring Him glory.
Brent Isbill, High School Pastor
Oakwood Baptist Church, New Braunfels, TX
Notes From The Editor:
TEN Series
Tim Walker
How does XP3 fit with the Orange strategy? Being the newest member of the reThink curriculum—we’re only two years old, hey, does that mean we can throw tantrums?—people often ask how XP3 fits with the Orange principles. Additionally, many of you also want to be able to communicate with your volunteers and leaders how XP3 fits with this whole Orange thing you talk about all the time.
So to equip you to think Orange in student ministry, as well as give your volunteers an overview of XP3, we have just uploaded resources for a volunteer training in the XP3 Training section, visible when you log-in to your account. The resources include a script, handouts, and PPT background slide art to help your volunteers think Orange and understand why you’re doing student ministry more strategically. It’s free and downloadable now.
Also, we have just completed the latest series in the Andy Stanley Collection, TEN. This five-week series reframes the Ten Commandments, showing that the relationship came before the rules. It also shows how God established the rules not with a group of strangers, but with those who He called His people. It’s a great series to transition students from believing Christianity is not a set of rules, but that the foundation for it first and foremost is a relationship.
And finally, the XP3 team will be hitting the road this fall with Reggie as he speaks at all three of the National Youthworkers’ Conferences—Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Atlanta. If you’re already planning to attend, find us and say “hello.” We would love to meet you. Also, make sure you check out the Orange One Day events. For more info, visit www.orangetour.org.
Thanks for allowing us to be a key part in your student strategy. We are striving to equip you with the best resources as you go Orange, and we consider it a privilege to be a part of what you do.
Tim Walker
XP3 Lead Editor
