Profiles Outside of the Average
A "typical" XP
The XP on Himself
Staff Pastor on Her XP
From hundreds of XPs that have taken the XP-Indicator, we can see the "average" XP. Now, we all know there is no such person as an "average" XP, the chart helps us see what most XPs think of their role in the church. The XPs report about themselves:
While the above chart presents the findings of the “average XP,” other respondents present charts that deviate greatly from the average. This can cause consternations for some respondents as they don't seem to “fit the norm.” An example of such a chart can be given from a staff pastor at a Methodist church about her XP. Yet, the chart is quite close to the pattern returned by the Executive Pastor himself.
The pattern is a weak Administrator Function, slight Catalyst, strong to very strong Mentor, slight Minister and slight Overseer.
Discussion is needed to make definitive conclusions. It would appear that this XP has others in the church to handle administration (perhaps a strong business department) and ministry oversight (perhaps a strong Senior Pastor or Governing Board).
It can be said that this is an atypical XP position, but that is not necessarily a bad thing—it is simply not typical.
The XP and church would do well to recognize that their XP is not functioning as the majority of other XPs. Confusion and consternation may arise if there are expectations based on the roles of other XPs.
This church needs to see itself as unique or change the role of the XP to be in line with other churches. This one chart illustrates the divergences that can occur with the XP-I.
As stated above, these charts give an opportunity for discussion.
- What makes our situation unique?
- Do we need to change the position of our XP?
- What local factors cause our church to be unique?
- What issues of church polity cause us to be different?
- Is our XP and ministry effective?
- Could our XP and church be more effective?
