Re Letters, January
I was shocked and appalled to read the paragraph on “overdependence on ministers” in Rev. Chuck Congram’s letter.
I agree with the statement, “We still all believe the minister is a leader.” What upsets me is the statement that approximately 92 per cent of ministers do not believe they have the gift of leadership.
Well, who is going to steer the ship if the leader of the congregation absents himself from doing so? Lay leaders have always been a strength of our church and will continue to be, but they need to be treading in the footsteps of, and inspired by, their leader, the minister.
Leadership is a skill, and can most certainly be taught and learned. If Congram has this right, it becomes an urgent call to those in charge of the curriculum in our theological colleges. Let us give help where it is needed by providing training on leadership practices and principles.
With heavy demands coming at us from all directions, our future depends on this.
