Supporting a new executive director during a leadership transition requires intentional effort and focused encouragement. Here are four key ways to support him:
1. Pray for Him
- Personal Remembrance: Daily prayers should be offered in a deeply personal, meaningful way rather than in a perfunctory manner.
- Family Focus: Prayers should specifically encompass and support the executive director’s family.
- Reflection on Responsibilities: Support means reflecting upon the specific duties and heavy responsibilities incumbent in the position.
- Focused Intentionality: To the degree those duties and responsibilities are known, prayers should be offered with specificity and intensity.
2. Be Patient with Him
- Navigating the Learning Curve: A learning curve exists as the new director works to absorb high volumes of details and master the role.
- Understanding the Contextual Shift: The executive director role differs substantially from pastoral ministry, as does any position beyond the local church.
- Giving the Benefit of the Doubt: This will be so vital to any leader, both during the transition period and beyond.
3. Offer Praise to Him
- Meeting the Need for Affirmation: Everyone needs affirmation, particularly during key transitions.
- Recognizing the Shift in Feedback: Transitioning from a local church pastorate means moving away from weekly Sunday connection points where church members regularly offer encouragement.
- Accentuating the Positive: To paraphrase something I once heard said: A single boo can outweigh a hundred cheers. Earnest praise plays an essential role in sustaining leadership momentum.
4. Participate with Him
- Active Buy-In: Meaningful support requires genuine buy-in rather than remaining on the sidelines or observing from a distance.
- Practical Load-Sharing: Assistance is best expressed through direct action: inquiring how to serve the cause, offering personal help, and seeking practical ways to lighten the executive director’s load.
Alabama Baptists have a bright future, and Dr. Derek Allen will faithfully shepherd us as he follows God’s leadership. Personally, I have enjoyed working as a state missionary in the role of executive director. I trust the people called Alabama Baptists, and I have faith in Dr. Derek Allen as our new leader.
