Jim Burgen + Jesse DeYoung – Behind the Scenes of Leadership at Flatirons Church
Feb 12, 2025
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Jim Burgen, Lead Pastor at Flatirons Community Church, and Jesse DeYoung, Executive Lead Pastor, discuss the intricacies of church leadership. They share insights on the significance of sabbaticals for personal growth and avoiding burnout. The duo emphasizes the importance of developing leaders from within and nurturing a healthy staff environment. They also tackle how to navigate organizational change and conflict through open communication, while highlighting the essential role of trust and teamwork in fostering a mission-driven community.
Authenticity in leadership is essential, as demonstrated by the evolving partnership between the lead and executive pastor at Flatirons Church.
Navigating team dynamics and resolving conflicts constructively fosters growth, emphasizing open communication and vulnerability among leaders and staff alike.
Implementing sabbaticals significantly enhances leadership health, offering opportunities for reflection and personal growth, thereby preventing burnout in ministry environments.
Deep dives
Authenticity in Leadership
Authenticity is crucial in leadership, and the relationship between the lead and executive pastor at Flatirons Community Church exemplifies this principle. Their bond has evolved over the years from a mentor-mentee dynamic into a partnership, highlighting the importance of nurturing leadership from within. Both leaders emphasize the need for honesty in their interactions, particularly during conflicts, where they have learned to address tension directly rather than letting issues fester. This open communication fosters a healthier leadership environment that encourages growth and understanding.
Navigating Team Growth and Conflict
As ministry organizations grow rapidly, navigating team dynamics and conflict becomes essential. The leaders share insights on how they address disagreements in a constructive manner by circling back to issues quickly after a conflict arises, which helps prevent resentment. They emphasize the importance of being vulnerable and willing to address hurtful comments or misunderstandings openly. By seeking common ground and establishing a culture of communication, they ensure that conflicts lead to growth rather than division.
Prioritizing Sabbaticals for Healthy Leadership
Implementing a robust sabbatical policy is vital for sustaining leadership health and effectiveness. Leaders at Flatirons Community Church advocate for sabbaticals as an opportunity for personal growth and reflection rather than a sign of failure. By providing time off for staff members to recharge, the organization promotes a culture that values mental health and prevents burnout. The leaders have found that employees who return from sabbaticals do so with improved clarity and focus, benefiting both themselves and the organization as a whole.
Creating a Culture of Safety
Establishing a culture of safety within the organization allows for open and honest discussions about difficult topics. Leaders at Flatirons Community Church emphasize that this safety comes from mutual respect and trust, which enables them to address issues without the fear of repercussions. Creating an environment where individuals can share their thoughts and feelings promotes transparency and collaboration within the team. This approach not only strengthens relationships among leaders but also fosters a sense of belonging for all team members.
Balancing Personal and Professional Priorities
As leaders in the church, maintaining a balance between personal and professional responsibilities is essential. The executive pastor stresses the significance of prioritizing family and home life, recognizing that neglecting these areas can lead to long-term consequences. The lead pastor echoes this sentiment, reflecting on the lessons learned during sabbatical regarding his identity and the choices he makes in prioritizing relationships. By focusing on what truly matters, they both underscore the importance of ensuring their personal lives are as cared for as their professional commitments.
In this episode, Jim Burgen and Jesse DeYoung from Flatirons Church pull back the curtain on leadership transitions, developing leaders from within, and the power of trust in executive roles. They reveal what’s working—and what they’ve learned the hard way in navigating conflict, prioritizing staff health, and the role of sabbaticals in sustaining long-term leadership. If you're leading in a church or nonprofit, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for building a thriving, mission-driven team.
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