Does Co-Pastoring Really Work?

Episode #530
April 23, 2019
Rainer on Leadership Podcast Logo

Co-pastoring is rare but is also seen in some churches in different forms. Today we discuss the pros and cons of co-pastoring and some paths forward for the practice.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • Even with a plurality of elders, there typically ends up being a singular leader and not co-pastors.
  • Shared leadership often means shared responsibility.
  • Competing egos can often become a problem in co-pastor situations.
  • Usually, co-pastors have similar gifts rather than complementary ones and that leads to tension.

The eight aspects of co-pastoring we discuss are:

  1. We must first understand true co-pastoring.
  2. Co-pastoring is rare.
  3. Co-pastoring is rarely effective.
  4. Shared responsibility is a positive.
  5. Shared work responsibility is a positive.
  6. The pastors must both keep their egos in check.
  7. Complementary giftedness is rare.
  8. Usually one of the pastors emerges as the leader.

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network


Episode Sponsors

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Today’s episode is sponsored by Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Be sure to check out Midwestern’s Doctorate of Ministry Degree. The D.Min. is an advanced degree preparing students for leadership in local churches and denominational service. It is also fully attainable in hybrid format which means you don’t have to move to pursue the degree.

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