Leadership in Ministry

Don Pardum

Having been in leadership positions since the ripe old age of 21 when I was in the military… as an E-4 put in charge of a squad of five men… responsibility, leadership, motivation and accomplishment of the mission has been instilled in me for over 40 years. Having answered the call to ministry in 1995 and working for a major national music ministry, handling everything from scheduling, to travel to stage management and production, I soon learned the leadership training in ministry was not something taught in Bible School. I praise God that I had the background in leadership because it served me well in those first few years I was involved in large scale ministry operations. Because of my leadership background, I was quickly identified as a “leader” while at the police academy – and then rose fairly quickly into leadership positions on the department. Once I retired and entered full time ministry on my own – those skills help to keep me focused, on target, and managing my “team” under me. Although not a church – I still have four others that help me do what we do in ministry. Even though we are not in the same building, but connected all around the country via the internet, it is still up to one person to make sure the job is accomplished… on time, every time and all the time. Me. Having said all of that, what does things look like when leaders do not know how to lead? I can sum it all up in two words, “confusion” and “failure.” In ministry, that can be fatal… not just for the church or ministry, but think about the end product… the accomplishment of the mission (if you want to call it that)… What is that? People are not hearing the Gospel. People are not being ministered to. People are not being saved. Why? Lack of leadership… Having said all of that as introduction, our guest today specializes in helping pastors and ministry leaders to excel in something not usually covered in Bible Schools or Seminaries. I bet you can figure out what it is… LEADERSHIP in Ministry! Amen! The “Faith and Trust Leadership Academy” seeks to fill this gap. Many Pastors today have been thrust into management roles instead of taking on the responsibility for leadership. What has the result been? Over 40 million people have left the evangelical churches. Over 15 million just in the last four years. Our guest today is Don Pardum is a graduate of the Lancaster Bible College, has attended the Westminster Theological Seminary and the Dallas Theological Seminary. He has been trained under some pretty big names in ministry, Professor Howard Hicks; Chuck Swindoll and others.. To share all about the importance of leadership training in today’s ministries, help me welcome to the program, Don Pardum! Don, thank you for taking the time to join us today! I apologize for that long introduction… I guess you can see how passionate I am about leadership, leadership training and all of that… First question I always ask is this… other than that brief information I just shared, can you tell us in your own words, “Who is Don Pardum?” Why did you decide to form “Faith and Trust Leadership Academy?” As far as ministry goes, what is the difference between “leadership” and “management?” You share information on the max exodus from churches. What does the data say about the reasons WHY people are leaving the traditional church? Why do you believe pastors are avoiding or ignoring their own leadership development? It seems like it would be something they would want to pursue… How does the “Faith and Trust Leadership Academy” fill this void? Leadership training is not a “check the box” – “I did that already” – type of training. It is a continual process. In the military, it starts in your unit… proceeds to the “Primary Leaders Develop Course” then the NCO Academy, etc. Not to mention the four year Academy’s and Officer Candidate School, etc. And it continues until retirement… it is a never ending process. How does your program accomplish this “long term” commitment to leadership training while allowing pastors and ministers to pursue their calling to preaching the Gospel, etc.? This is a “virtual training” program, correct? How long does it last? What is involved in the training? Pastor Don, this has been so interesting. How can someone get in touch with you if they have any questions or, maybe they would like to do an interview with you like this? How can they do that? How can someone get in touch with you? I’ll put links to all of this in the show notes below. Folks, one of things I’ve observed concerning ministry over the years is a tendancy, in some circles, to “go with what is popular.” Whether it is “come as you are” or “concert like” worship services; whether it is an hour long service or three hour service… whatever is popular is soon adopted and tried. WHY? Often it is because of – and don’t shout me down when I’m preaching good here – a “lack of leadership” in the pulpit. Thomas Jefferson once said, “I matters of style – go ahead and swim with the current. But on matters of principle, STAND LIKE A ROCK!” Glory to God… Ephesians 6:13 tells us, “Put on the full armor of God and Having done all to stand – STAND Therefore!” I like to say, “Having done all to stand – STAND THERE!” Don’t move. Don’t bend. Don’t waiver. Leaders can do that. Leaders have the backbone to understand that a decision needs to be made. It may not be popular. Leaders are not after popularity contests. They are there for one reason and one reason only – TO LEAD. If that sounds like something you would like to aspire to – I highly recommend you drop down into the show notes right now – not later… leaders do not waiver… if a decision is going to be made, they make it… drop down into the show notes right and demonstrate YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A LEADER… Click the links right there and reach out to Don Pardum and the “Faith and Trust Leadership Academy” right now. No hesitation. No waivering. Just DO IT. Amen!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: don@faithandtrust.org Website: https://leadershipacademy.faithandtrust.org/home-1737-7604

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