It’s important to ask your church leadership the questions on your heart. Seventeen years ago, I sat with my ministry friends venting about the leadership within my church. My frustrations included the lack of clarity in the church’s mission and vision, lack of direction, poor communication, and their failure to understand the significance of kids’ ministry.
It was during this conversation that a friend looked me in the eye and said, “Now is the time for you to lead up!” I was puzzled. I didn’t know what “leading up” meant at the time.
According to Joel Mayward, the author of Leading Up, “Leading up is the ability to influence others beyond one’s age, experience, or job description. It is leading leaders, even leaders who are also leading you. Leading up is not pushing your agenda on others or trying to manipulate people into doing what you want.”
While it may not always be easy, asking the right questions to church leadership will greatly benefit everyone.
Although I had always been known for asking a lot of questions (yes, it drove my parents and teachers crazy), it never occurred to me to ask challenging questions to my authority figures within the church. These are questions that would propel them to lead more effectively and, in turn, help me to lead my ministry better.
My friend helped me understand the power of asking challenging questions, emphasizing that this would not only help my personal growth but also the growth of the ministry and the church.
Questions for Church Leadership: The Importance of Clear Communication
It is vital to clearly communicate to your leadership that the motive behind your questions is to help you do your job better and contribute to the growth of the ministry. They need to understand that your intention and heart are to support the leadership and to foster growth for everyone.
Craig Groechel, senior pastor of Life.Church, said, “Your only motivation to lead up should be to push the mission forward.” The essence of leading up is to ensure that the church as a whole can experience a win.
Children’s ministry leaders are often tasked with coming up with a mission and vision for the ministry. However, when I ask children’s ministry leaders about their church’s mission and vision, they often draw a blank.
How to Get Heard and Supported by Your Church Leadership
How to Get Heard and Supported by Your Church Leadership
How to Get Heard and Supported by Your Church Leadership
Clarity and Alignment
Ask your leadership to provide clarity on the mission and the vision of the church. Every ministry in the church should align its mission and vision with that of the church. No ministry within the church should operate as a silo.
Our new lead pastor who has been with us for eight months recently revamped our church’s vision and 3-year plan, prompting a revision of our family ministry vision and plan. Throughout this process, I had multiple conversations with him on how he envisions this overarching plan unfolding in family ministry.
This alignment is not only crucial but also communicates to the congregation that the church leaders and ministries have unity in our efforts, working together towards a shared goal.
Expectations
Another challenging yet essential question to ask your leadership is about their expectations regarding your role and the ministry you are leading. I can recall numerous personnel conflicts that could have been avoided if there had been clear and mutually agreed-upon expectations.
We often make the mistake of assuming we’re on the same page when expectations have never been discussed. This is why having a conversation upfront becomes vital so ensure success for everyone.
Clarity is kindness.
Non-Negotiables
Another important question to ask your leadership revolves around their non-negotiables, which may include theology, philosophy, and strategy. This inquiry communicates that children’s ministry is not merely childcare—it highlights your thoughtfulness in determining what is being taught to children.
One of the initial conversations I had with my new lead pastor centered on his theology and philosophy around infant baptism. We engaged in a constructive conversation around this topic for several weeks.
Ask your leadership to provide clarity on the mission and the vision of the church.
Although we may not completely agree, we established a clear understanding on where we stand as a church. Understanding and aligning with these non-negotiables ensures a coherent approach to the ministry’s direction and values.
Other Questions to Ask Church Leadership
Various topics may come up in your ministry. In our case, we continue to discuss safety policies and practices, especially as a mobile site meeting in a high school. It is crucial for our leadership to be informed about the challenges we face in this unique setting.
We are actively seeking their involvement to collaborate with us in problem-solving as we navigate our safety practices and policies.
Open communication ensures that our leadership is well-informed and engaged in addressing specific concerns.
When, Where, and How to Ask Questions to Church Leadership
Exercising discernment is vital, particularly when dealing with sensitive questions. Use discernment to consider whether a private conversation is more appropriate or if it can be discussed openly with your team.
For example, if you want to ask your leadership about your specific role, opting for a private conversation with leadership may be more suitable. Be sure to approach the leadership with kindness and clarity to foster a constructive dialogue.
It’s important to recognize that this may be a new experience for the leadership as well. They might not be aware of the unclear vision and mission or the lack of alignment. Avoid accusations or blame.
For example, instead of saying, “You didn’t clarify your expectations,” consider saying, “It would help me do my job better if you could help me clarify expectations.” Avoid demanding immediate answers. Rather, provide them with the time and space to pray and process.
Offer your availability to be part of this process if they wish. Always approach the situation with the intention to partner with leadership.
Over the years, I have learned to ask tough questions to leaders. Some are easier than others. I’ve learned that the art of asking good questions is a powerful tool. I have learned to ask open-ended questions which allow more space for a dialogue.
My approach is to understand, not judge. I always have follow-up questions prepared based on how the leadership responded. The art of dialoguing is a continuous process of refining.
While it may not always be easy, asking the right questions to church leadership will greatly benefit everyone.
More from Gloria
- Is the Goal Always Gathering? Staying in Touch with the Scattered Church
- Deconstruction: Why Does It Scare Us and How Can We Help?
- The Top 5 Qualities of an Excellent Children’s Ministry Curriculum
- Seeing the Wonder of God in All of His Children
- Inclusive Ministry: What It Is & Why It Matters
- How to Overcome Racial Issues in Children’s Ministry
- How to Teach Kids in Ways They Actually Learn
- How to Create a Solid Volunteer Community
- Ways We Engage with Families for Success
- This Is How I See The Action Bible Help Kids Love God’s Word
