Comments about XPastor
Let the community speak ...
Thanks for creating a resource that's relative to the day to day life of many behind the scenes pastors, the XP's.
Joe Rice, College Park Church, Indianapolis, Indiana
David, had another contact today from someone else that knew me from your circulation. It has a great impact!
Paul Smith, XP, Purcellville Baptist, Purcellville, Virginia
I love your website as it has opened my eyes to a role I did not have a grasp of, but desired. We are around 13 years old, 230 in worship on Sunday. We have a full time senior pastor and youth pastor. Lots of young families, lots of kids, lots of teens, lots of young adults! As an elder for 9 years, I often feel we are bogged down with the alligators and fires of today, and are not advancing strategically and purposefully in a unified consistent manor. We have no strategic plan, but lots of less-than-defined dreams and desires. Could I be a lay XP, and work myself into a position as we grow? It seems like the XP role has been born out of need as churches outgrow the senior pastor's ability to keep all of the plates spinning. Would it be effective to organize leadership this way now in order to grow?
Anonymous
You have no idea how much this publication means to me (the free XP e-newsletter). I too, am in transition. I gave the SP and the staff notice last week. So far, it is a textbook transition. The SP receives your email and we discussed it a little this morning. My heart raced when you started off "after ministering for 23 years at one church, my wife and I sensed that God was leading us onward." I would love to share with you what God is doing here along with my families' life. Keep up the good work. YOU ROCK!"
Anonymous
Where were you when I needed you about 15 years agojust kidding. I LOVE your website but more importantly the content. You have done a great job. My question for you is that I don't see a "Job Description" for Elders. One of the biggest problems I see and run into in today's church is the conflict between the senior pastor and his board. Usually the senior pastor has a very well defined job description but when an elder is asked the question for his job description the answer is usually a Titus and Timothy qualification description. Often times even well meaning elder will make up his own job description. I think if churches could have a better defined description of where the powers begins or end with both elders and staff we would avoid a lot of conflict. I would to hear your thoughts... XPastor is a fantastic resource and help to the Church Keep doing what you are doing.
Jim Hogan
I know that I can be honest with you, so I'm telling you that I have rarely been treated more carelessly than by a series of churches and pastors of whom I have inquired recently about open jobs. I have written many honest, respectful, and brief e-mails (always in response to an advertised opening) directly to pastors about whether or not they would have any interest in an attorney (with a little explanation of my background) applying for a position at their church. To a church and to the man, my e-mails and follow up telephone calls have been ignored, never returned. Talk about closed doors. I think that you are encouraging a good work among churches with the concept of XP. My experience, however, has been that churches and, more particularly, pastors, still are looking for good old seminary boys for these positions. That's a shame.
Anonymous Friend, Houston, Texas
This workshop (Mentoring Workshop with Dr. Nathan Baxter, may 2006) was a profound learning time for me. The reading assignments, group sharing and Nathan's coaching has given me a fresh launching point for a new phase in ministry. I had a great lunch with my Senior Pastor today and essentially shared my learning, expressed a desire to go to the next level on our relationship and pitched my ministry plan we developed yesterday and he was very supportive and "in." In fact he agreed to do some consultation with me on growing our relationship and team structure. Pretty big step for us. Very exciting.
Brad Sullard, Center Point Church, North Richland Hills, Texas
I came across your website while performing some research for a class that I am taking at Indiana Wesleyan University. I wanted to take a moment to tell you how impressed I was by the quality and relevance of the information that it contained. Upon graduation from IWU's Masters in Ministry Leadership Program, I hope to work toward an Executive Pastor ministry position. Your site has been helpful in assisting me to better understand the supportive role that I will someday fulfill. May God continue to bless your efforts for His Kingdom.
Carl W. Krull, Student, Indiana Wesleyan University
David, thanks again for running with this ministry.The more I consider the XP role, the more I believe it is so necessary. I appreciate what you are doing for the Kingdom. When I saw who would be at the August 23 XP-Day, I definitely wanted to come. It looks like it will thoroughly meet my personal hopes for the day. So, thanks for being wise and discerning for so many of us. You are doing a wonderful ministry for so many churches, as well as your own.
Paul Utnage, Westlake Bible Church, Austin
I am the relatively new COO of Fellowship Bible Church. I come to this role with 20 years of healthcare administration background and have been here almost 1 year. Just discovered your website yesterday hunting around for examples of Church Org Charts. Ours is fairly similar to yours, except that I have many more direct reports. We are in the process of consolidating this and forming our Core Vision Team and was hoping that you could send me a more detailed version of your churches org chart. I would like to know what all goes under each of the main areas as I process how to consolidate these ministries. I know it won't fit our situation exactly, but it would be helpful. I was very happy to find your web site. It has a great deal of useful information for someone like myself. Thanks for your efforts to put this together. I look forward to receiving your newsletter as well.
Sam Bates, Fellowship Bible Church, Little Rock, Arkansas
Just a short note to thank you for all the work you do to encourage us Executive Pastors. I have served in leadership positions in health care and Christian Education for years. In the past 15 years I have served as Executive Pastor to a church where the Senior Pastor founded the ministry 34 years ago. He and I met in seminary while I was in health care management. This has been both a rewarding and difficult ministry. I was discouraged when I first found your web site, but then realized that I was not the only Executive Pastor in the world. Thanks for your ministry in my life.
Dr. Rich Rollins, Valley Bible Church, Hercules California
I'm writing to you because your website has been a tremendous tool for me in the area of administration. Specifically, it was helpful in the development and implementation of a Risk Management Policy for our youth ministry some time ago. More recently, I've used your website as an aide in the development of a resume, and for advice concerning the job search and interview process.
Chris Freeland, Arlington Community Church, Arlington Texas
I wanted you to know that I truly appreciate all the resources you make available on your site and the updated news letters. I am still chewing on all I learned and the new relationships that were started back in January. It was very refreshing and affirming.
Rick Clapp, Vanguard Church, Colorado Springs Colorado
I am new to the XP role and my decision to make the transition from my corporate background in June/July 2004 was guided quite substantially by your thesis as well as material on your web site. Your work has also influenced the organisational restructuring I have been doing in our congregation.
Gert Kruger, Mosaiek Church, Johannesburg, South Africa
Thank you for the resources you are providingfor Executive Pastors. I believe your ministry is benefiting the Kingdom of Christ in positive ways and pray it will continue to do so.
Gary Brown, Director of Ministry and Outreach, Overland Park Church of Christ
Thanks for your site. It felt like a home that I've been seeking, but couldn't define. I've been in law since 1984 and have been feeling a strong pull away from that and toward ministry for some years.
David Balkum, Attorney, Houston, Texas
I wanted you to know that last Sunday I was asked to be Pastor of First Christian Church Mesquite and I accepted. I am now back in ministry for which I am grateful. Thanks for all your encouragement and support.
Dan Elliott, Pastor, First Christian Church
Thank you for the XP-Indicator results. Your website has been very helpful. You are correct in assuming that this is a new position for our church. I am still meeting with the Senior Pastor and Personnel Committee to define the position. I answered the questions on the XP-Indicator based on what I perceive to be my strengths. This is the first time we have considered an XP position. We've had an administrator in the past and I perceive some may have a difficult time making the paradigm shift between the two. I read excerpts from Kiel's book last night and became more concerned about accepting the position after reading the section on Roadblocks and Hazards. The more I approach the new position the more I realize my reliance on my Lord and Savior to get me through it.
Allen Smith, First Baptist Church, Palmetto Florida
After the president of the U.S. or the General Secretary of the U.N., I firmly believe the toughest job is being the Executive Pastor for a large church. So glad to see what you're doing to help churches and Executive Pastors to do it better.
Bruce Dingman, President, Robert W. Dingman Company
I can see why the committee thinks your dissertation needs to be published. It appears to me that it will be a fine blend of technical information, experience, research, and practical knowledge and application.
“You've identified a strategic need in the church world.”
Marshall Shelley, Editor of Leadership magazine and Vice-President of Christianity Today, Inc.
I have been reviewing the information on your website and I wanted to express to you my appreciation for the quality of the data and the presentation. I have found it to be one of the most helpful sites to me as I prepare for my ministry.
Thanks for your extremely prompt response on my XP indicator. It affirmed a lot of what I have felt about my strengths and focus.
It was an outstanding presentation. Why am I not surprised? The students were glowing in their comments. If I understood correctly, you offered to send your presentation slides. I would like you to send them to me. We are in your debt.
Thanks for the quick response.This assessment is kind of what I have observed asneededfor transitioning from the traditional PatriarchalAfrican-Americanmodel of church leadershipto more of a biblicalelder basedministry modelin whichministry is shared andthe pastor (and elders)is more focused more on the worship,prayer and theword insteadmonthly meetings and minutia, though required,of running the church.But in summary I believe my observations were somewhat confirmed.The challenge as I see it—keep from putting old wine in new wine skins. So often we desire something different but don't change what we're doing.I'm sure this is more than you wanted to know, but thanks for listening, and thanks for the web site.
Thanks for the information. We have been looking for such a site, but were not able to find despite significant effort and multiple search engines. We will definitely look into this. It is great that you are putting on this important training event for executive pastors and senior pastors. This definitely fills a significant gap in training for churches in North America.
“I just wandered around your website - outstanding work! You are providing an invaluable resource to the work of God's kingdom!”
Paul Wartman, President, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, British Columbia
For your information, your XP-Indicator obviously works because I am not an Executive Pastor. I completed the indicator as Administrator, here in the knowledge that I have also been acting somewhat to implement new ministry and as an executive arm of the Elders. An article of yours that I read, struck a chord with me and where I perceive we are at here. An XP may be a good fit for our needs although my previous thinking had been that XP's only existed in large or mega churches (we are a church of about 500). The most significant issue we have is the work load on our Senior Pastor, and implementation of vision is suffering, starting new or changing existing ministries is extremely slow and ministry leaders can therefore fail on their own. Thanks for your prompt reply and thought provoking and important emphasis on this emerging role (well, emerging in Australia anyway).
Andrew Meinel, Administrator, Edwardstown Baptist, Australia
Man ... I feel like I just want to leave the ministry and do something else. Thanks for your prayers and your help. Thank you for your time this morning discussing the Executive Pastor role with me, as well as the XP-Indicators and Position Focus Sheet. I appreciate your insight and encouragement. Please know that I will be praying for you as you continue to use what our Lord has taught you to build up His church through others. You have taught and encouraged me tremendously through the resources of your website.
You are amazing—always so quick to respond. Many people in ministry (and in business) are only quick to respond with 'I don't have time right now.' Thanks again for your input—solid and straight forward.
Excellent site. How do you find time for anything else or do you have an army of people working with you?
WOW what a quick turnaround. You are a great resource!!!! Thanks. I just looked at the site and think it could be valuable.
I wanted to again thank you for the XP Conference experience. It was fantastic to interact with so many people involved in ministry leadership. The time and money was well spent (my own ... ). Moving from the business world into full time ministry will be an interesting transition. As I mentioned during the conference—I am going to continue preparing to be an XP but in addition begin seeking a position. With that in mind I've created a resume— unique and long (not anything like any resume I've seen in business or ministry).
Thanks so much for all your hard work and effort. I have still been unpacking what I have learned and getting close to implementation. Just wanted to say thanks. The conference was incredible for me.
I have been working on and have almost finalized a draft position description. It is a morph from what existed for him previously and some additional information we found on your XP website. Would it be possible for you to look it over and give us your counsel any things that are missing or that may need to be changed? If so, we'd like to send it to you via e-mail and then follow up via a conference phone call.
I have finally minutes to catch my breath and take a look at your website. All I can say is thank you. While serving as an Executive Pastor previously, I had longed for such information.
Thank you for all your support so far. I am incredible blessed to have a network of solid help! Our church is in such a crucial time in our development, and I am glad to have some support as we navigate some sketchy waters.
Thank you! What a great service to the Kingdom you are providing. Growing churches like ours come to a place where the traditional models and roles of pastoral leadership have to change if we are going to continue to reach more people. Your website and the XP-Indicator are excellent tools to help give us the needed frame of reference in making staffing decisions and clarifying our roles. Blessings on you.
I wanted to give you an update on my situation. I have accepted the call to go and serve as the Executive Pastor. Thank you so much for your counsel both over the phone and through the tools and materials on your website. I look forward to talking with you further about the XP Cohort of students at DTS. You have helped me and the Senior Pastor in this process so much. Keep up the great work. Please pray for our transition over these next several weeks.
Thanks for sending the XP-Indicator in Adobe Reader format. You've put together an excellent website and product. I currently serve as the Associate Pastor responsible for many of the XP functions. I'm considering pursuing the XP route. However, I scored extremely low in the catalyst function and I understand this is the function that many Sr. Pastors strongly desire.
I am currently working in the marketplace, but I am sensing a strong leading to change my career-life direction. The role of Executive Pastorseems to be crossing my path repeatedly so I am beginning to explore it more diligently. I ran across your website as I began to do some Internet searching a few weeks ago, and it has been a tremendous resource for me. When I received an email from a pastor in the Dallas area describing you as 'the dean of Executive Pastors,' I felt compelled to contact you.
I'm within 50 minutes of multiple mega-churches. I've contacted 5 XPs to try to connect us into a little fellowship. So far they are all excited. I've met one-on-one with three of them and will have lunch with the other two next week. If all goes well I'll have our first meeting of everyone in June. Believe it or not, none of them know each other even though they have been the major churches within 30 minutes of each other and the XPs have been in their role for 5 to 13 years! I'm now connecting them for the first time! Anyway, just thought you would like to know that your work has prompted me to get going on networking here in this region. Who knows in a couple of years maybe we would have the network in place to host one of your regional events!
I am currently at various stages in the interview process with a number of churches around the country for Executive Pastor positions. I was wondering, at what point in the interview process, is it appropriate to talk about salary related issues? Thank you for your willingness to serve. I have gleaned a great deal from your website, which I feel like has better prepared me as I'm in this discernment phase.
I will be an Administrative Pastor in our church in the Philippines starting July 2005. Our church currently has at least 3,000 attenders every Sunday at our mother church. And we have currently 9 satellite churches scattered in the north of the Philippines. Some satellite churches have 800-1000 members, while others have less than 100. All these satellite churches are under the Center. The vision of our Senior Pastor is to have 20,000 members in 20 churches by the year 2010. So, I am anticipating a very big challenge ahead of me as an Administrator and any help that I can get while I am here in Dallas would be beneficial. I have learned about the XP Seminar and am wondering if you have availability here in Dallas before I fly back to Manila.
Joselito Villoria
I emailed you a few months ago. I have just accepted an offer of the ministry I emailed you about. This is a new and exciting role for me as I transition back into a full-time ministry role. This is also the first time in being an XP.
Pastor ... was 'feeling your pain' yesterday during the meetings with the consultants. I know you have a lot on your plate and wanted to connect you with David Fletcher—we have talked about him several times. I've copied him on the email and would hope that you guys connect. David would be a great resource and support person—not to mention his incredible network of people.
I have an encouraging word. Things have been processed and moving ahead with renewed clarity (thanks to your website!!).
“The XP-Indicator is a great tool! Things have changed, but like the frog in boiling water it is hard to recognize when you are right in the middle of it. Comparing my 2004 and 2005 XP-I results gave me valuable insight.”
Jim Kuykendall, XP at Cross Timbers Church, Argyle Texas (3800 in worship)
Man, thanks David! I appreciate the time you spent assessing. YOU ROCK! You are correct in that there is some distortion due to no pastor. I find myself trying to mentor and encourage, but there is an ulterior motive ... survival!s
