What does an effective campus pastor look like? This has been a tough question to answer. They have a lot in common with a senior pastor, but they are not the primary leader and often they do not speak on the weekends. They are similar to other staff pastors, but they often lead large congregations with multiple ministries under them. There are really no models within a traditional church staff for the role of campus pastor.
I think the best example of what an effective campus pastor should look like is an NFL Quarterback. Not that every campus pastor should be 6’5”, 230 pounds with a laser-rocket arm, although it probably wouldn’t hurt. Actually the qualities that make a quarterback successful in the NFL are the same qualities that make a successful campus pastor.
Quarterback qualities of a successful campus pastor
1. A successful quarterback leads himself first
To be successful in the NFL a quarterback has to have tremendous self-discipline. He has to memorize a massive playbook, he has to keep himself in peak physical condition, and he has to minimize distractions that can detract from his focus on the game. He has to continually sharpen his skills. It is not enough for a quarterback to be fast, strong and smart; he must continually strive to be faster, stronger and smarter than his opponent. Before a quarterback can lead his team he must lead himself.
In the same way a good campus pastor is successful at leading himself. He is self-disciplined, punctual, and organized (or he is able to delegate organization to others). He is a self-feeding learner who is continuously growing in his personal spiritual walk and in his understanding of ministry. A campus pastor who needs supervision and prompting or who lacks initiative will struggle.
Tomorrow: A successful quarterback leads through his team.
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