Rules - Relationships = Rebellion

Many years ago I had the privilege of hearing Bishop T.D. Jakes speak an amazing message at his Pastor’s Conference in Dallas, TX.  He talked about the three levels of leadership based on the life of Moses.  I want to use that thought as a springboard, share his three levels, and elaborate based on my own personal experience.

With that said, here are the “Three Levels of Ministry” Bishop Jakes listed from the life of Moses, in his message to pastors.

1.     With the People

2.     In front of the People

3.     Above the People

These three levels have been proven to be accurate and essential to understand in my ministry life.  They are non-negotiable, and they are not “jumpable” or avoidable. 

Every leader wants to be above the people and able to lead with clarity and security with the view from 20,000 feet.  Or at the very least they want to be in front, after all that’s what leadership is all about, right? Leading?  And in order to lead, don’t you have to be in front of someone?  But before you can get above you have to get out in front, but in order to do that you have to put in the due diligence WITH people.  So let’s take a minute to look at them individually.

With the People:

This is an intentional stage of building relationships.   At this phase Moses was with the people in Egypt.  He was “feeling their pain”.  He was making mistakes (he killed a guy), and learning the needs and desires of those who he was called to lead.

Your primary time at this phase will be spent drinking a lot of coffee and eating a lot of meals with those you serve/lead.  The main purpose of this time is to earn their trust and respect, to learn about them, their strengths and weaknesses, and to be their shepherd.   This time is not wasted and will prove to be invaluable as you make the necessary adjustments and changes essential to go to the next level of leadership.

You cannot rush this stage, but you do have to recognize when it is time to transition to the next phase.   Moses had to be pushed into changing his leadership style to be most effective.  His father-in-law, Jethro, told him he was not leading well.  It was time for him to allow others to be “with the people” so he could get out in front of the people.

These are the two questions that will allow you to determine whether it’s time to go to the next level.  Number 1 - Are you failing to meet the needs of the people alone – is it time to add help?  Number 2 - Do you have the leaders in place that can fill the void that you will leave with the people?  (Moses had Aaron & Joshua)

If you answered yes to both of those questions its time to go to the next level.  If you did not, find and train new leaders and allow them to help you grow to the next level.

In Front of the People:

Moving to this level is the most difficult of the two transitions.  Moving from “in front” to “above” is much easier because you have already worked through the nuances of transition.  Great resources for working through this transition are “Growing Pains: Transitioning from an Entrepreneurship to a Professionally Managed Firm” by Eric G. Flamholtz and “Leadership Transitions for Growth” by Michael Fletcher.

At this phase you are leading the leaders who are “with the people”.   Most “leaders” cannot get to this stage because of simple insecurity.  This is the place of the greatest risk you could ever take.  You are giving a level of relationship to another person, therefore allowing them to have the influence you used to enjoy.  This is why it is very important that you do not rush the first phase.  You need the time to choose your successor(s) well, and to have the relational capital to carry you, and those you are leading, through this transition.

This phase will be a much longer phase that for first level You will know you are ready to transition to the final phase when you have the leaders in place who can get in front and represent you without question.  They have your DNA, know your heart, and the vision for the organization is sound.  They also must have leaders raised up who can fill the void with the people that they will leave.   This is a step only to be taken by the most healthy and mature of leaders and organizations.  This is when you truly are leading through your leaders.  You have to be prepared and secure to allow the leaders to have the majority of the influence and you are leading the “corporate” side of the organization.

Above the People:

This is where Moses hands the daily leading over to Joshua and his “staff”.  He is now acting more of a CEO for the nation than a hands-on leader. 

I have served on only one church staff that truly achieved this level of leadership.  This is a sign that you have become a high-level leader yourself.  That you have a level of security in your giftings, in those who you lead, and those who are in turn leading others.  I have personally never attained this level - yet, so I cannot advise you on it.  However, I am striving to this level of maturity, both in my own life and in Encounter Church.

Aside:

James and Deidre have been in Pastor Ministry, in one form or fashion, for almost 20 years.  They have served on staff for some amazing churches, one of which was the fastest growing church in America in 2009 (Outreach Magazine).  Currently they are planting a growing and dynamic church in Hot Springs.  Encounter Church was launched in February 2014 and has seen over 280 percent growth year to date.