I am going through an interesting time in my life. A few months ago, I stepped down from leading the tech ministry at my church. On the surface, it may not make sense why I did this because the team I led has done some phenomenal things over the past year and a half and we were on track to continue doing even more.
But something grew in me that just made it so clear to me that I needed to step away and it’s the kind of thing from the outside, it might not make any sense. But it was the right thing to do because God is leading me beyond my comfort zone to places that are probably way beyond me.
I had several months to see this coming, in a way, and I also had the luxury of a built-in, capable leader on my team. Daniel (@dmeyer302) has been part of tech at this church for probably 6 years, long before I came along, and likely, he will continue for awhile longer. (If you don’t follow him on Twitter, you might want to, you might learn a thing or two.)
Last summer, during a time I was intentionally interviewing with churches, my pastor and I talked about Daniel being my obvious successor if I were to leave. I talked seriously with a couple of churches back then but didn’t accept any offers. Now that I was leaving, Daniel is still that guy.
Leading up to the point of me leaving, before anyone knew and before I really knew, I became intentional about teaching Daniel a lot of the ins and outs of the IT side of things in this church, because some things I just did without even thinking about. Daniel is quick to pick things up and he will do well in a leadership role like this.
Shortly after I stepped down, Mary and I felt like God was leading us to something different in regard to church, so I literally stepped down and was gone from the scene almost simultaneously. That was probably for the best, for many reasons. However, I felt like I needed to work with Daniel more on just some of the concepts of his role, yet November and December are tough times to get together and it never really happened.
Last weekend, things lined up and we were able to sit down and discuss some things and I was able to pass on some knowledge to him. In a way, Daniel and I are complete opposites but really, we always made a good team. I am the guy the sees the big picture, points the way and has a vision for what can be done. I can find people to serve and pretty easily fit them into roles where they are gifted. Daniel is the nuts and bolts guy, he can figure it out and make it better. He mentioned that it’s like he’s the fix it man, they call him when things are broken but that’s about it. There is so much more to his role than that, if the leadership will let him.
I would say we stretch each other, he pushes me to pay attention to the details and nowadays, I’m pushing him to see the big picture of what he is a part of and mentoring him on how to get there effectively. Essentially, I am mentoring him on how to “be that guy” in his role in the church that God has called him to be.
We had a great time the other night and I’m excited for what is ahead of him. My role now is to just be here for him in whatever way he needs me and I will pass on my knowledge and experience to him. I think he is being pushed beyond his comfort zone and I know he has a challenge ahead of him but he will do fine.
Something I have learned in this is that the momentum and progress I made with the staff and leadership may be lost, as it appears that Daniel needs to earn the respect on his own terms, and is not fully benefiting from what I created. It might have been smart if we would have started this intentional mentoring earlier and if I would have been more intentional with the staff about Daniel’s capabilities in this role.
It’s not a lost cause though, he can lead this ministry in the way God has equipped him and earn the respect he deserves, based on his knowledge and skill. He’s ultimately at the mercy of the staff and leadership of the church and we talked a lot about how to reach out to them, partly by broadcasting a consistent message.
Daniel is a couple years younger than I am, he’s college age and he basically grew up in the church and now he is in a key leadership role in this church, trying to earn respect as an adult, as opposed to the youngster that he is likely viewed as by some.
What advice would you give a young, capable leader that is trying to make a difference and be respected?
He has to define the role, not as he sees fit, but as the role fits the needs of the church.
We all have “our way” and “our preferences”, but in his position he’ll be fighting the dual battle of both re-forming perceptions about him and creating realistic plans of action for short and long term success.
How he communicates, how well he documents, how often he provides proposals with an A/B/C option for leadership and how well he works with and leverages volunteers will be the keys to greater authority, impact and respect.
By re-imagining the possibilities – with the EASY stuff first and the HARD stuff later – will show leadership that he’s both capable of providing practical solutions AND that he’s not a techno-geek only interested in the latest-and-greatest technologies.
It’s actually harder to step into a leadership role when he’s known as “the kid” rather than “the guru”. That will take time, patience and a lot of strategic effort.
I ditto Anthony’s comments. Daniel will have trouble with the older folks no matter how much he proves he is now an adult, but as long as he remembers to respectfully stand firm he will be heard. He’ll also be surprised years later when he hears how these folks who always see him as a kid sing his praises to others. I’m starting to see that in my life now. God’s blessings as Daniel starts a new segment in his journey and at such a young age.
I will also echo what Anthony wrote. Daniel will need to develop his relationships with different leadership members to a deeper level. That is where the trust will come from. Starting with “easier”, less complex projects will demonstrate his maturity and ability to conceptualize and bring projects through to completion. Getting some of those projects done will increase the confidence level of the staff in his abilities.
He does have a tough road ahead. It is harder to change perceptions as a long time member of an organization. Older members will have a hard time seeing him as anything other than “that good kid”. However, he can leverage that history to his favor. He already has established relationships that need to be refined at an “adult” level. This will come through respectful interaction and those easier projects coming to completion.
I say servant leadership is the answer. Approach the position as one willing to serve and do the work first with leadership just happening to be part of the duties.
On the front end, It’s all about the politics in every day life. Build relationships with other leaders one on one, so when the going gets tough, he has some backing. Don’t take ANYTHING personally. That’s always a big temptation. Be firm. Have a vision and a plan, then stick to it. Be humble, but not weak. Smile, nod your head, then do the right thing. Start small and build. Toot your own horn, but don’t brag.
Listen to other leaders. Respect. Respect. Respect.
On the back side, prayer is a wonderful thing.
Having a great role model and mentor will help Daniel more than any of us realize now. He will have seen how God has worked through you and will almost instinctively look for God to do the same for him.
Of course, that’s the key – this is God’s ministry, after all. That is the primary focus you have had and that you will have passed on to him.
I am sure you will not forget to encourage him to look for others – however unlikely – to invest in (just as you invested in him).
That you could write such a post gives God the rich praise he deserves. And that praise will continue as Daniel chooses to let God work through him.
Just as you did…
Thanks everybody, I feel pretty good about the whole situation. My schedule this semester should allow for an afternoon each week to be in the office. Being there and being seen will help immensely. I can spend all night working on things and write emails until my fingers bleed, but a few hours while everybody is there will be twice as good in terms of having an influence on how things go.
My biggest thing I have learnt thus far in my role (leader of all tech at my church as a volunteer) is my team is everything… I’m a detail guy love to fix it and have learnt loads over my past 6 years in the role… you never stop learning – but pass stuff onto your team in bite size chucks and keep encouraging them … if you invest in your people in your team … it may cost you some in starbucks trips etc but when those people in the team “get it” it is sooo worth it. keep praying and if you’d like to chat … well I’m looking for a prayer buddy. I’ve been blessed with an amazing leadership who trust me(a God send) so I’ve been able to lead and although I dont get any budget unless I push (I mean a lot) or something breaks(and sometimes not even then) I still love doing it, even after 6 long years in the job. God bless,
Graeme
oh and did I mention we are currently a porta-church? *grins* keep it up!