Leadership Journal

In recent years we have entered into lengthy discussions about how worship, spiritual formation, and evangelism are transitioning in the church. However, the most crucial area of transition, leadership, has received minimal attention. For more than 35 years, I have been overseeing the ministry of young InterVarsity staff and college student leaders. In that time I have seen a significant swing in how these young leaders view leadership. The emerging generation of leaders desires a context that fosters community, trust, journey, vision, and empowerment.

If we are going to transition the church to the next generation, both existing and emerging leaders will need to understand and appreciate each other's values. This quiz, developed in conjunction with the editors of Leadership, is a helpful start.

This tool is intended to foster dialogue between older and younger leaders about their divergent views and contribute to greater understanding between the generations. No test can fully reveal the nuances that exist within an entire generation, and you may agree with more than one answer for a question. Mark the answer that best fits your approach to leadership.

A. The predominant role of the senior pastor should be to

1. Facilitate a team of diversely gifted peers
2. Manage and set the vision for the organization
3. Preach and care for the congregation

B. Evangelism happens best in

1. Coffee shops where relationships are fostered
2. Worship services where relevant teaching is encountered
3. Special events where gifted evangelists proclaim the gospel

C. Leaders foster spiritual growth best by

1. Training others in personal spiritual disciplines
2. Creating programs that address specific life issues
3. Teaching correct doctrine and biblical knowledge

D. I would be likely to adopt a new ministry practice if it was

1. Spiritually transformative for the community
2. Proven to be measurably/quantitatively effective
3. Shown to be more doctrinally sound

E. My greatest fear for the 21st century church is that it will lose its

1. Authenticity
2. Effectiveness
3. Purity

F. The church's leadership exists primarily to

1. Empower the people
2. Lead the people
3. Protect the people

G. The church is most effective when its vision is determined by

1. A team of diversely gifted leaders
2. A pastor with the gift of leadership
3. A board of deacons/elders

H. A pastor's leadership credibility is earned by

1. The authenticity of his/her relationships
2. The record of his/her effectiveness
3. The certification of his/her credentials and education

I. The success of a church staff depends on

1. The trust they have with one another
2. The success each one has in his/her ministry sphere
3. The commitment each one has to biblical truth

J. I would prefer to spend one day with a

1. Monk
2. Marketing expert
3. Military commander

K. I would be most likely to encourage a new believer to

1. Connect with a mentor
2. Connect to a small group
3. Connect to a Bible class

L. The internet ...