By Ronald E. Keener
In the revised edition of Leading the Congregation: Caring for Yourself while Serving the People (Abingdon, 2010) authors Roger Heuser and Norman Shawchuck speak to “the interplay of light and shadow” in ministry.
Shawchuck is an author of more than 20 books, pastor, and professor, and Heuser is professor of leadership studies at Vanguard University, Costa, CA. Church Executive asked Dr. Heuser to respond to questions about their book.
“It doesn’t take long to realize we have conflicting desires,” says Dr. Heuser. “St. Paul confessed to the believers in Rome that he doesn’t always do what he wants, while doing the very thing he hates (Rom 7:15). The interplay of light and shadow is a spiritual dynamic where the shadow side can be the onslaught of leaders’ temptations — we see these embarrassingly revealed in Scripture and in today’s press.
“But shadows can be more subtle, for example, within leaders who know how to manipulate others to get their way. Contrast these shadows with the spiritual dynamic of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5). Most people know when they live in their leader’s shadow or light.”
What is meant when you say that the pastor or leader projects his “spirit” upon the congregation?
I don’t think many people try to hide from others or diminish their inner joy, peace, kindness or any other fruit of the Spirit. Moods are contagious – I remember how disarming it was when my dog rushed out to meet me when I came home. What I don’t want to admit about myself – or want you to see – are my own fears, unresolved anger, and anxiety or my need to be recognized. So the people around us – family, friends, colleagues, and the entire congregation – can both benefit from our inner freedom and feel the tension of our unresolved issues.
How can a leader look inward and assess himself and his spirit and find correction?
The pain and suffering from a personal crisis gets our attention, but I don’t think it needs to be this way. The classic disciplines of silence and solitude eventually reveal our own conflicting desires. At their best, these disciplines provide the means of grace for our letting go of manipulating or grasping others and God. When I try this alone, I will likely fall into some game of self-deception, so being in a covenant relationship with others – spouse, friend, spiritual director – is also necessary.
How does one identify neurotic leadership?
It’s a wakeup call when we find ourselves serving others more from a motive of “I should” and less from the motive of “I want to.” It’s dangerous to our own health and the well being of others when we find ourselves resenting those whom God has called us to serve. Briefly, dramatic leaders need attention and excitement. Suspicious leaders are defensive and well guarded for any threats. Detached leaders are withdrawn, indifferent. Depressive leaders lack initiative and self-confidence. Compulsive leaders demand conformity, efficiency, and attention to details.
You speak to the same five characteristics of neurotic organizations or churches. Briefly explain the depressive church.
Most of us have experienced discouragement and even hopelessness, especially given the current economic crisis. And it can be depressing to be part of an organization that has managed to survive but there remain residual issues that have gone underground. Some leaders and congregations know no other way – they feel trapped in their inferiority, lack initiative, and are thus prone to abdicate responsibility.
How do you differentiate between a strong leader and one who is controlling?
I’d say that controlling leaders use their power for rewards and punishment – some guilt may also help – so that people are in lockstep with the leader’s wishes. Refusing to give up authority creates dependency and political alliances. Strong leaders, on the other hand, also use power but for different reasons. While they may take an unpopular stand, strong leaders break down barriers, foster honest communications and healthy conflict, empower others, and exhibit humility through service.
