Special Edition: Shared Leadership with Dr. Eun Strawser

Today’s Special Edition of “Your Best Work: The Podcast” is audio from Covo Con with Dr. Eun Strawser as we talk Shared Leadership. Here are some practical takeaways.

* Shared Leadership is Essential – Ministry was never meant to be done alone. Eun Strasser emphasizes the importance of decentralizing leadership and empowering others to take ownership in the church.

* Co-Vocational vs. Bi-Vocational Ministry – Co-vocational ministry is an intentional choice to remain financially independent from the church, whereas bi-vocational ministry is often a funding strategy. Co-vocational leaders demonstrate that discipleship isn't reserved for full-time clergy.

* Discipleship Must Be Intentional – True discipleship isn’t about drawing crowds but about forming committed followers of Jesus who, in turn, disciple others. A smaller, deeper focus leads to greater long-term impact.

* The Four Spaces of Belonging Matter – Discipleship happens in different contexts:

* Intimate Space (3-4 people): Best for deep vulnerability and personal growth.

* Personal Space (5-12 people): Best for learning and developing discipleship skills.

* Social Space (20-50 people): Creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

* Public Space (70+ people): Best for proclamation and making faith visible.

* Missional Communities Multiply Effectively – Instead of a traditional church model, Eun’s church plants focus on missional communities, small groups deeply engaged in their neighborhoods. Their model grew from 12 people to 9 communities serving over 650 people.

* Church is More Than Sunday Services – Many churches focus on attendance, but the true measure of success is whether a community is being transformed. Eun’s team prioritized serving the vulnerable, which led to long-term impact beyond a worship gathering.

* Faith in Action Speaks Louder Than Words – During the pandemic, instead of trying to “pivot online,” her church asked, “Who needs help?” They fed 500 seniors monthly and created a sustainable model of discipleship through service.

* Public Worship Should Engage the Community – Instead of traditional services, their church holds public gatherings that address societal issues, such as honoring marginalized groups and contending with systemic injustices.

* Jesus’ Model of Leadership is Worth Following – Eun intentionally invests in a small group of disciples, just as Jesus did. By focusing deeply on a few, she has seen exponential multiplication in leadership and community impact.

* Anyone Can Be a Disciple-Maker – The work of discipleship isn’t limited to pastors; every follower of Jesus is called to make disciples, regardless of their job or title.

If you have questions on calling, vocation and identity that you’d like me to address on this platform, just respond to this e-mail and I’d be happy to answer.

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