Stronger Leadership Begins with Brave Shifts in Nominations Approach

For many, this is the time of year when new leaders are being recruited by the Committee on Nominations. Some might even refer to the approach as the “arm-twisting” or “phone call avoidance” season. Others view it as a time of musical chairs for committee members or getting through the process of completing that darn charge conference paperwork. 

However you reference this season, please allow me to offer a few thoughts for your consideration. The process of nominations and the role of the Nominations Committee can be a critical and pivotal season in the life of your church. It all depends on the understanding, equipping, and process that starts with the approach to nominations! This month we will concentrate on some pivotal shifts the Committee on Nominations can make to strengthen the process, outcomes, vitality, and ultimately the leadership of the church.

Too many times, people will more eagerly take the position on the Nominations Committee than other committees because its commitment is deemed to be lower than some of the other administrative committees. The Committee on Nominations is generally only active for only a few weeks a year. It requires a few meetings and phone calls and then members are finished until the next year. It is often seen more as filling in all the blanks on their required charge conference paperwork than it is about developing mature servant leaders who will not only lead their church, but will also lead the greater community with a spiritual foundation lens. Consider making the shift in your church’s nominations approach this season to begin the journey towards healthier leaders and a more vital congregation.

The process of nominations is one of discernment. It is not thumbing through the latest pictorial or membership directory to ascertain who hasn’t been a recent victim and can be persuaded to say yes to a vacancy on a committee. Ask potential leaders to fill out an interest form (see R-6, page 246-7in Mission Possible 3 for an example) to identify why they feel they are being called into leadership in this season, their spiritual practices, their leadership and spiritual gifts, their hopes for the future of the church, etc. 

If your church is experiencing leadership challenges, conducting the nominations process the way it has always been done is not the solution. Something must change in the process if a different outcome is desired. The members of the Nominations Committee must re-think their work and how they go about completing it. Leadership development starts with the nominations committee. In order to have the best qualified leaders to lead the church in its missional purpose, nominations must pave the way. If a different kind of leader is needed on the Leadership Board, it starts with a different nominations process.

“Leaders should celebrate change and evolution. 

Yes, change is hard, particularly if you think 

your organization is managing its current mission and working fairly well

 But our world is constantly adapting, as are stakeholders and their needs. 

We need to constantly adjust and grow to maximize the benefits of our work. 

Change allows us to innovate and adjust, and no matter how scary it is, it is needed.”

- Patrick Riccards, Driving Force Institute

How well is your nominations process raising up and equipping new leaders? How effective is your leadership development process? How healthy is your leadership in being missionally focused? Are younger leaders willing to step into leadership? What shifts are needed to take your leadership to the next level in your church? Check out this on-demand webinar to start your journey.