More and more often, pastors are being asked to wear multiple hats. Reaching new people, coordinating various groups, and discipling people to serve, give, and lead are just a few of the issues confronting pastors in growing churches—and that’s just the good stuff! As a church grows, so do her demands. Sometimes, these demands are too high for just one leader. Like Jethro mentored Moses, Christian leaders must navigate how to share responsibility so their ministries continue to thrive. This is where the “second chair” makes a huge difference.
Who is “The Second Chair Leader”?
While the specific title and job description given to a “second chair leader” may vary from church to church, leaders serving in this role are commonly responsible for taking the vision of the senior pastor and church and translating that vision into reality. This person’s influence and broad-based skill set add value throughout the organization, not just to one team.
What are the chief components for effectiveness as a “Second Chair Leader”?
1. The second chair leader is loyal to the senior pastor and the organization. Regarding vision, direction, and strategy, the staff and membership need to see a second chair leader as one with the senior pastor.
2. The second chair leader is a relationship builder. Due to time constraints and demands from multiple teams and staff members, this leader must be able to build positive, trust-based relationships to ensure that implementation and growth occur.
3. The second chair leader is humble. While humility is always a desirable trait, the second chair leader must demonstrate not only a willingness to work through others and see them get credit, but be committed to working through others and crediting them for their successes.
4. The second chair leader is a big-picture thinker. This leader must see the larger picture and understand how each ministry moves the church toward fulfilling her vision. At the same time, they should recognize when ministries cease to create positive momentum toward vision fulfillment and take intentional and creative steps to remedy these incongruences.
What tips can you offer “Second Chair Leaders”?
1. Communication is everything. The second chair leader knows the right time and the right way to discuss issues with the senior pastor. With my pastor, I try to “live inside his head.” For example, I seek to understand and respect his weekly rhythms and take these into account when I speak with him about church matters.
2. Be patient. Building trust takes time. Commitment to the task at hand coupled with a “what-ever-it-takes” attitude will earn trust. Stay loyal to the end goal.
3. Keep short accounts. Relational capital must remain high between you and the senior pastor.
In Leading from the Second Chair, Mike Bonham mentions three paradoxes that explain the complexity of this position. The paradoxes multiply when you realize you must be proficient at both sides of the “and.” The second chair leader is a:
- Creative Thinker & Detailed Implementer. The second chair leader must effectively untangle messes and remember one decision can ripple throughout the entire ministry.
- Subordinate & Leader. The second chair leader leads like the senior pastor doesn’t exist, but knows full well that he does.
- Contentment & Dreaming. As Christ-followers, God has given us dreams. Yet, in this role, you have to hitch your wagon to someone else’s dream. It’s your responsibility to get on the same page that he is on as you simultaneously dream yourself.
At times, the second chair is a lonely seat. Venting is problematic because you must remain loyal to your senior pastor. Therefore, talking to subordinates and members is off-limits. It can be a thankless seat in that no one will acknowledge how hard the work is because they don’t (and can’t) understand what it feels like to be responsible for the entire ministry. Remember to ask, “God, where are you working in this, and what do you want to teach me?” Remember that you are performing for an audience of one. In Christ’s eyes, leading, equipping, and serving His bride are the most critical jobs in the world, regardless of the specific seat you occupy.
