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:
- We must first understand true co-pastoring.
- Co-pastoring is rare.
- Co-pastoring is rarely effective.
- Shared responsibility is a positive.
- Shared work responsibility is a positive.
- The pastors must both keep their egos in check.
- Complementary giftedness is rare.
- Usually one of the pastors emerges as the leader.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast
- Next by William Vanderbloemen
- Church Answers Platinum
- Revitalize Network Conference – April 20-21, 2020 – Bradenton, FL
Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network
Episode Sponsors
Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.
For more information, visit WeStaffTheChurch.com.
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.
Find out more at mbts.edu/dmin.
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