In the multisite model, there is nothing more important than your selection of each campus pastor. With nine campus pastors, we've learned much about selecting the right person to step into that role.
Jim Tomberlin (multisite expert) reports there are 5,000-plus churches in the U.S. that use the multisite model. This explosion has happened in the last 10 years. Compare this to only 1,650 megachurches in the U.S. (2,000-plus total attendance).
At 12Stone® Church, we are fully engaged in multisite ministry and currently have nine campuses. This post is not written to inspire you to go multisite, but if you are considering it, or deep in already, keep reading.
Beyond the baseline characteristics (a godly character, they love Jesus, are smart, have a strong work ethic, etc.), the following traits can make for a great campus pastor:
Here are five traits of a great campus pastor:
1. Team player. A great campus pastor is entrepreneurial, but can work within systems. This requires highly developed teamwork skills. It's like a "Franchise Entrepreneur" for Chick-fil-A. We don't need a new fast food chain, we need someone who believes in Chick-fil-A and wants to take new territory as a Chick-fil-A operator. (Don't get hung up on the word operator, the CFA operators are sharp business leaders!)
2. Leader who develops other leaders. Each campus pastor must be a leader who can and loves to recruit and train volunteers. The campus pastor needs the maturity to consistently repeat the practice of recruiting and training large numbers of volunteers, and the skills to develop other leaders to do the same.
3. Great with people and loves to shepherd. Strong natural people skills can't be overestimated. The ability to connect quickly with all kinds of people, love them and care about them is essential. A passion for evangelism is an important part of this mix. A great campus pastor doesn't "host a service" but goes into the community to reach people. They are fast thinkers but slow walkers, walking slowly through the crowd to be able to see needs and adapt quickly to each person in the moment.
4. Vision wins over passion to communicate. Kevin Queen is the campus pastor of our largest campus next to our Central Campus. He is a gifted communicator and loves to teach, but his vision to reach more people is greater than his passion to communicate. In addition, some campus pastors may be vision creators, but that is not necessary. All campus pastors must be vision-carriers and able to cast the overall vision of the church.
5. Can transfer and replicate the culture. The ability to embrace and transfer the original culture/DNA is one of the most sophisticated and necessary skills of a campus pastor. This is needed both on the platform during the worship service, and throughout the week. This involves honoring the leadership above and simultaneously being true and authentic to who you are.
I'd love to know what you think. What would you add or delete from my list? Please comment.
Dan Reiland is the executive pastor at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He previously partnered with John Maxwell for 20 years, first as executive pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, then as vice president of Leadership and church development at INJOY.
For the original article, visit danreiland.com.
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