298. Building Stronger Churches Through Collaborative Leadership, with E.K. Strawser, author of You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone

Do you ever feel like you’re alone in your leadership?  Why is that? Why do so many church leaders feel isolated—and how did we come to believe that ministry is something we’re supposed to do alone?

In this episode, E.K. Strawser, author of You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone, unpacks what it means to move from solo leadership to a model shaped by shared responsibility and the APEST framework—apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher—so that not only our churches, but our communities, can flourish.

THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Markus Watson invites discussion about the standard view of leadership and prompts E.K. Strawser to unpack its problems and what's missing.
• Church members often expect leaders to command control, draw crowds, or have significant contributions, which influences congregational dynamics.
• E.K. Strawser argues that modern church leadership borrows too heavily from secular business models rather than biblical principles of shared leadership.
• Traditional notions of leadership in churches leave congregations disempowered, dependent, or deprived when power is centered on a single leader.
• If a leader does not share leadership, the church risks losing members' sense of identity and purpose.
• E.K. Strawser emphasizes that effective leaders must be disciples of Jesus first, prioritizing spiritual maturity over skill sets.
• Leaders should embody humility, honor, hospitality, and hopefulness as markers of mature church leadership.
• Markus Watson notes that churches often select leaders for functional skills rather than spiritual maturity, highlighting a common problem in leadership development.
• Christian hospitality means making space for others, not just providing comfort or amenities.
• E.K. Strawser teaches congregations to celebrate and honor each other to counteract envy and encourage spiritual growth.
• Leaders foster environments where others can learn, heal, experience hospitality, seek justice, and be sent out for ministry.
• Markus Watson asks E.K. Strawser to explain the APEST framework and its practical value for sharing leadership in churches.
• All five APEST gifts—apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher—should be represented in shared leadership structures at every level of church leadership.
• Implementing shared leadership and equipping environments requires intentional structure and ongoing relational attention.
• Change in church leadership provokes grief and resistance, so leaders must create environments that acknowledge loss, facilitate grieving, and cast clear vision.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• E.K. Strawser:
  • www.ekstrawser.com
• Books mentioned:
  • You Were Never Meant to Lead Alone, by E.K. Strawser
• Related episodes:
  • 185. From Sunday Services to Real Transformation, with E.K. Strawser
  • 191. Thriving Church Leadership in Uncertain Times, with Heather James, Matt Lake, and Jonny Weir
  • 212: Unlearning O

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