Becoming Effective Leaders (BEL) Groups For Pastors

Those of us who serve Jesus as pastors deeply long to lead churches which are powerfully used by God to make real disciples – devoted followers – of our Savior.  We want to lead disciple-making, transformational churches and we don’t want to just “spin our wheels” until it’s time to retire. But how do we get there?  

I concluded a number of years ago that the “key players” in creating transformational churches are pastors.  Other things being equal, the key difference between effective and ineffective churches is the leadership ability of the senior or solo pastor. One of my consuming passions is improving the disciple-making effectiveness of our churches by improving the leadership effectiveness of our pastors.

As Elmer Towns put it years ago (this is my paraphrase): “While the depth of your ministry is determined by factors such as your preaching ability and your own spiritual life, the breadth of your ministry is determined by your leadership.”  But if you’re like me, and most pastors, you didn’t become a leader by going to seminary and you’ve now found yourself in a church in need of some level of revitalization.

But can ordinary pastors become strong, effective leaders?

Absolutely!  Those who study this subject have discovered what pastors need to be and what they need to do to lead their churches to great-commission effectiveness. 

I believe that God has given us the resources in Christ to become the workmen we need to be with the tools we need to use to lead our churches forward. This just “fits” with who God is, doesn’t it? Where He guides, He provides. Grace turns God’s requirements into promises.  Right? 

The strategy behind the Becoming Effective Leaders (BEL) Group plan isn’t new.  It’s a time-tested formula that empowers pastor-leaders.  It has been used all over the US (though not with this name) with significant success. I have personally participated in similar groups which were a great help to me and I have now led three such groups personally.

 So what does the BEL Group plan look like?

•  The heart and soul of the plan is SMALL GROUPS of 3-8 pastors who meet monthly for 4-5 hours for nine months.  The participants in these groups: get to know each other well, get to know where they are in their own development as leaders, read and discuss approximately one book per month, have lunch together and pray together. 
• Each pastor in the group gets a monthly COACHING visit, call or teleconference call to help him implement the principles he’s learning.

Format and content of the Becoming Effective Leader groups

 BEL Groups are adapted to fit the needs and schedules of the participants.   A potential list of subjects might include: an overview of the church revitalization process, getting your life focused, the basics of leadership, getting churches unstuck, becoming a revitalizer, the basics of strategic planning, essential emotional intelligence, etc. 

A typical meeting format involves one hour for relationship building, two hours on the “core curriculum,”  and one hour on leadership topics chosen by the participants. 

Our current pandemic is challenging us to adapt as necessary.  Let’s talk about the possibility of a BEL group done via Zoom, with shorter, more frequent sessions. Contact me at churchwhisperer@gmail.com.

Where are BEL Groups held and what do they cost?

They meet at churches which are centrally located for the participants in the groups. The cost is $600 and includes all books and materials.

When will the next BEL Groups begin meeting?

Let’s talk!  

 I’m not a Senior or Solo pastor yet, though I think I’m going to be someday.  Is there a way that I can get in one of these groups now so I can “hit the ground running” later on?

 Yes!  If you expect to be a solo or senior pastor at some time in the future, we’d love to have you.  In all likelihood, you will become the pastor of a church in need of revitalization, which means that YOU will need to be a revitalization pastor!  We’d like to help to get you ready.

I can’t come to a BEL Group but can I still get in on the coaching?  

Absolutely!  Let’s talk.  Not many pastors “morph” into revitalization (or “turnaround”) pastors without some coaching.  I want to help you succeed. 

churchwhisperer@gmail.com or call 651-319-1953