Editor’s Note: While we will use “Executive Pastor,” “XP,” “second-in-command,” or “second chair” language throughout this issue of SUMS Remix, the content – and intent – is to help any leader who reports to a senior team member.
It has been said that an institution is the lengthening shadow of a visionary leader. What rarely is said is that in the shadow of that visionary leader was another leader who executed the primary leader’s ideas, monitored the budgets, built the infrastructure and systems, and along the way, cleaned up a few of the messes. Such is the life of a leader who is “second-in-command.”
Bruce Hornsby
The second-in-command leader – many times with the title of Executive Pastor or XP – is the person who picks up where the lead pastor leaves off. By nature of the role even if not reflected in the title, this person has to be a pastor as well – someone who will see ahead three moves to the pastoral needs that will be created by the unveiling of the church’s vision as led by the senior pastor. This is the role of the leader who comes alongside of a visionary senior pastor and says, “I’m with you – I’m ready to go to battle for what God has called you to do in and through this church.” (Phil Taylor)
Unlike almost any other job in the church, the definition of a second-in-command leader or Executive Pastor often inherently lacks definition. It is consistently changing.
This is the hallmark of a good XP: the ability to jump into just about any role and do it moderately well. Is there someone better for the job? Probably, and that’s why you will ultimately hand it off to someone else. But sometimes the best person for the job is the person who has both the time and the drive to call something new into existence couples with a deep understanding and commitment to the Lead Pastor’s vision. You may be the only person in your church that fits that definition. Executive Pastors are like utility players. The best right hand men or women are actually ambidextrous.
THE QUICK SUMMARY – Second in Command by Dutch Sheets and Chris Jackson
Being a leader means more than a fancy title, a big office and people who obey orders. A leader is responsible for setting an example of integrity in his organization. But what is the role of leaders who serve other leaders?
Second in Command is written to strengthen those in the position of “right-hand man.” For some, being “number two” is a training ground for an eventual promotion into top leadership, but for others it is a calling. Whether you pastor a church or are a “marketplace minister,” Second in Command teaches you how to become a next generation leader of excellence.
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
The second-in-command leader has a very unique and challenging leadership position. By nature of their role, they have earned trust both from those they serve and those they lead, even while often under great pressure from each of these groups. That pressure can even often result in being pulled from both directions, feeling as if you may be torn in two.
The answer to this dilemma is found in a single word: serve. To be the most effective second-in-command leader, you must learn to serve up and down. Serve up to the senior leader, and serve down to your team.
But as we all know, servanthood has its own challenges, no matter the direction.
There is tremendous value within the second-in-command leader – and tremendous challenges as well. The leader who serves another leader needs to have great wisdom in order to navigate the challenges.
The Challenges of the Second-Chair Leader
You’re in charge but you’re not in charge.
You can wonder if your calling is on hold while you serve another man’s vision.
Sometimes you can be tempted to disloyalty.
How do you prepare for the day that you are transitioned into a senior leadership role?
What do you do if you are more gifted than your senior leader?
What if you follow a nationally known leader who carries a great following of respect, love, and admiration?
How can you carry all of your never-ending responsibilities while still maintaining a commitment to personal growth?
How do you relate to visionary leaders?
How do you resist the demonic attacks that are leveled at you as the right-hand person?
How do you lead and preserve the health of your family?
How can you discern the Lord’s master plan in the midst of your leadership development?
And above all, how can you honor the Lord in your current position?
Dutch Sheets and Chris Jackson, Second in Command
A NEXT STEP
Being second-in-command is not an easy role to fill. Famed conductor Leonard Bernstein, when asked the most difficult instrument to play in an orchestra, responded, “second fiddle.” He went on, “It’s easy to find people who want to play the lead, but to find someone who is content to play second fiddle with excellence and enthusiasm, now that is a rare find.”
You, too, are a rare find.
In order to validate this comment, set aside at least two hours of personal reflection time, away from your normal routines, schedules, and digital distractions.
Read each of the statements and questions above, and prayerfully work through them, journaling how you are currently living with these challenges. Be sure to note all areas, not just the ones you are doing well in.
After you have completed them all, go back through and circle areas that you feel good about. Underline areas where you need improvement.
As you review the underlined areas, write out on a separate journal page how you plan to address them.
Excerpt taken from SUMS Remix 141-1, released February 2020.
Part of a weekly series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader
Regular daily reading of books is an important part of my life. It even extends to my vocation, where as Vision Room Curator for Auxano I am responsible for publishing SUMS Remix, a biweekly book “excerpt” for church leaders. Each Wednesday on 27gen I will be taking a look back at previous issues of SUMS Remix and publishing an excerpt.
>> Learn about and purchase SUMS Remix here<<
>> Learn about and purchase prior issues of SUMS Remix here <<
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