The document discusses shared or collaborative leadership at Oak Arbor Church. It provides an overview of their leadership structure and principles of shared leadership. Key points: 1) Oak Arbor has adopted a shared leadership model where the pastor and lay leaders work together towards common goals like growing attendance, engagement, and satisfaction. 2) Their leadership structure is designed to cultivate future leaders by carefully placing people in roles that match their strengths. 3) Shared leadership of specific programs like worship allows members to gain ownership and better understand the church's teachings while increasing the ability to handle complex issues. 4) Implementing shared leadership successfully requires defining roles, embracing an open decision-making process, and celebrating interim successes.

1. Shared Leadership

2. A Little Perspective
o It is not our intention to portray ourselves as experts, nor
to claim that our results provide enough ‘data points’ to
convince you that Shared (or collaborative) Leadership
is ‘the answer’ in all situations.
o We are becoming increasingly convinced of this method
of leadership in Oak Arbor, because:
o It is considered a ‘best practice’ by a substantial number of
respected management consultants. Many success stories.
o We’ve observed the effects of the alternative, and are not
convinced that it will take us where we want to go.
o Although we’re just students of the approach, and still have
much to learn, we’re very encouraged with our progress.
o Attendance – Up an average of about 7% per year (over past 6 years)
o Congregational Engagement – HIGH
o Newcomer Retention – HIGH
o Congregational satisfaction with leadership - HIGH

3. Leadership & Collaboration
• Leadership
– A process whereby an individual or small group
influences others to achieve common goals.
• Collaborative Leadership
– An approach that employs supportive and inclusive
methods to ensure that those they represent are part
of the change process
– It requires a new notion of power…the more power
(energy) we share, the more we have to use.
• ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ Helen Keller
• ‘None of us is as smart as all of us.’ Edward Register

4. Shared Leadership
o Purpose, Structure & Leaders (Craig)
o Shared Leadership Principles (Derek)
o Shared Leadership in Practice (Worship Team)
o Discussion (Greg)
o Wrap-up (Greg)

5. Keys to Shared Leadership
A Structure that is . “Get the right
An inspiring sense .. people in the right
of Common seats on the bus.”
Purpose; coupled built around the - Jim Collins.
with a shared program & strategy,
Vision, Strategy
and Positive
Attitude.
and (2) allows for the
cultivation and
development of
future leaders. Meaning, carefully and
thoughtfully choosing and
placing leaders whose
strengths match the
needs of the church.

6. Common Purpose
o Building healthy relationships with God, His Word
and each other.
o Our source of truth: The Lord’s Word; understood more
clearly in the light of the Divinely-inspired teachings of
the New Church.
o We are charged with the responsibility to help
change as many lives as possible with the
spiritual tools entrusted to us:
– Existing members
– Our children
– People who are ‘on the fringe’
– People who don’t yet know us
o We add & develop programs that best support
our purpose, and strive to continuously improve
them for the sake of those they serve.

7. Shared Strategic Focus
• Develop Worship services that are consistently so
compelling and relevant that people place high priority on
weekly participation.
• Provide safe and welcoming environments where Small
Groups meet regularly for study of the Word, prayer and
support . . . and where lasting friendships are made.
• ‘Let our light shine’ through Outreach and service to
those in the community who need our help.
• Attract more families to the Oak Arbor School to extend
the reach of our excellent spiritual & academic education.
• Invite and welcome more people among us who are
seeking what we have to offer.
– 5-year goal: average weekly attendance of 200 people.

8. Shared Positive Attitude
• We are always looking for ways to lead people toward healthy
relationships.
• We feel blessed by what we have to offer, and consequently, long to
share it.
• We love that the tools of our New Church Christian faith, and the
support of our congregation, help people to improve their lives.
• We are becoming increasingly aware and understanding of how
different our needs can be (from each other), depending on age,
state, background and taste.
• We think about how worship, small groups and other offerings affect
not only ourselves, but also our children, fellow members (old and
new) and seekers.
• We are outward looking and committed to the idea of building
community.
• We embrace the Lord’s calling on us to be His Disciples. And, we
seek ways to warmly and gently welcome new friends among us,
even if it means going outside of our ‘comfort zone.’

9. As a member, I can . . .
• Make a commitment
– Believe in my faith, and embrace the purpose and vision of my church.
– Demonstrate my commitment through verbal affirmation and personal example.
• Take a Journey
– Attend Church
– Participate in a small group
– Allow others to see me building Healthy Relationships in my own life
• Serve
– Volunteer to lead or help with church programs, events and other needs.
– Support events and other volunteers (gratitude, early arrival, positive
participation, etc.)
• Be a Steward
– Give regularly and generously to support the Lord in His church.
– Wisely deploy resources to support our purpose and vision.
– Care for church & school property as if it were my own.
• Stay Outward-focused
– Practice discipleship and invite friends to grow with us.
– Engage in community service groups and activities.

10. OAC Leadership Structure
Board of Directors
Treasurer Human
Investment Stewardship Planning Facilities Legal Technology
Finance Resources
Governance
Pastor
Management Advisory Team Administrative Assistance
Worship Tools for Life Outreach School
Worship Team
Program (message, delivery, engagement)
Small Groups Service Projects
Music Team
Journey Programs Neighborhood House
Host Team Pre-K through 8 Education
(welcome, refreshments)
Book Center Blood Drive
Chancel Foundations Class Community Engagement
Sunday School
Audio Marketing Volunteer Facilities Communications Information Rental Financial
Support Visual Growth Management Management (two-way) Technology Program Management

11. Keys to Shared Leadership
A Structure that is . “Get the right
An inspiring sense .. people in the right
of Common seats on the bus.”
Purpose; coupled built around the - Jim Collins.
with a shared program & strategy,
Vision, Strategy
and Positive
Attitude.
and (2) allows for the
cultivation and
development of
future leaders. Meaning, carefully and
thoughtfully choosing and
placing leaders whose
strengths match the
needs of the church.

12. Shared Leadership
o Purpose, Structure & Leaders (Craig)
o Shared Leadership Principles (Derek)
o Shared Leadership in Practice (Worship Team)
o Discussion (Greg)
o Wrap-up (Greg)

13. Shared Leadership - Risks
• Pastor may feel a threat to role as spiritual leader
• Priest and lay boundaries may become blurred
• Pastor may be afraid to challenge lay leaders
• Some members may feel left out
• Some members may not be willing to be led by their peers
• Pastor may fear letting go of some responsibilities
• It will take hard work to get the right balance of leadership roles
• Pastor may not know how to choose a cohesive team

14. Shared Leadership -
Advantages
• Members gain a much greater sense of ownership
• Members have a much better understanding of their
church’s teachings
• Members adopt and articulate the church’s vision
• Increases ability to handle complex issues
• Members willing to be accountable for success/failures
• Takes advantage of skills and interests of members
• Enthusiasm can become infectious; more people get
involved

15. Shared Leadership –
Making it Work
• Leave your ego at the door
• Don’t forget what motivates and engages people
• Choose a leadership team that gets it and can teach it
• Keep defining leader roles, responsibilities, and boundaries
• You now have an open process for decision making
• Get ready to celebrate your interim success

16. Shared Leadership
o Purpose, Structure & Leaders (Craig)
o Shared Leadership Principles (Derek)
o Shared Leadership in Practice (Worship Team)
o Discussion (Greg)
o Wrap-up (Greg)

17. OAC Leadership Structure
Board of Directors
Treasurer Human
Investment Stewardship Planning Facilities Legal Technology
Finance Resources
Governance
Pastor
Management Advisory Team Administrative Assistance
Worship Tools for Life Outreach School
Worship Team
Program (message, delivery, engagement)
Small Groups Service Projects
Music Team
Journey Programs Neighborhood House
Host Team Pre-K through 8 Education
(welcome, refreshments)
Book Center Blood Drive
Chancel Foundations Class Community Engagement
Sunday School
Audio Marketing Volunteer Facilities Communications Information Rental Financial
Support Visual Growth Management Management (two-way) Technology Program Management

18. Worship Group
o The Worship Team: Assists and supports the Pastor with
scheduling, message planning, enactments, ritual, etc.
o The Music Team: Plans and delivers the worship music
program.
o Sanctuary Responsibilities: Including chancel, sound
and (future) projection.
o The Host Team: Initiated by the Outreach Team, the long
term concept of the Host Team is to help both members and
visitors feel warmly welcomed and included from the moment
they arrive in the parking lot to the moment they go home.

19. A Purpose-Driven Worship
The Worship Group strives to support Oak Arbor’s
mission by planning and delivering relevant and
inspiring Sunday services. We are focused on:
oMessages that (1) strengthen our understanding of the
Lord God Jesus Christ, and lead us closer to Him, and (2)
help us to build healthier relationships.
oMusic, enactments and other engaging experiences that
tap into our affections; inspiring and encouraging all to keep
the Sunday experience with us throughout the week.
oDeveloping a culture of discipleship in our sanctuary that
helps to build community; and which honors the wide range
of ages, backgrounds, views, strengths and challenges that
our congregation and guests bring to church each week.

20. Worship Team Agenda
o Welcome
o Opening Prayer
o Pastor’s Focus
o Worship Planner - Upcoming Services
o Easter Enactment & Procession
o Series on Perfection
• The weekly ‘Take-aways’
– How are they working?
– How is the congregation responding?
• The new Holy Supper format (passing of the bread) –
how is that working?

21. The Worship Planner
Facilitates good communication between Pastor & Worship Group

22. Discussing Change

23. Collaboration works!

24. Shared Leadership
o Purpose, Structure & Leaders (Craig)
o Shared Leadership Principles (Derek)
o Shared Leadership in Practice (Worship Team)
o Discussion (Greg)
o Wrap-up (Greg)

25. Key Takeaways
• Find a common purpose!
• There is a real fear of letting go in leadership changes
• It takes hard work to find the right balance of
leadership roles
• Sharing leadership results in more committed
congregants
• Put your church in a position to be successful when
you are gone

26. Thank you