Leaders Without Titles

Last week, I wrote a post titled “Our Church Has a Management Problem”, where I suggested that church staff are often managers rather than leaders. So, the question needs to be asked - “Can I lead others in my church without a title or staff position?” My answer: yes!

Mark Sanborn said it best when he titled his book: “You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader”. Just because you help park cars on Sunday mornings or keep the coffee pots full, you can be a leader. All it takes is finding a cause and creating change.

In fact, I believe that being a leader and not a staff member can often make an even stronger impact. When staff members are trying to recruit others to get behind a cause, many see it as just another staff-driven program. When a volunteer recruits others for a cause, they are giving their own time and resources. Church staff may be able to allocate a budget and a team, but volunteer leaders can only give from what they have - that is powerful!

So, if you are discouraged because you have an idea but you aren’t a full-time church staff member, cheer up! This could be the best possible situation as you look to recruit others that believe in the same changes you do.

No title at your church? Good! Now you are really ready to lead!