“It’s so easy in church to get caught up in development planning – in the systems of things,” explains Jason Haymaker, pastor of Western Reserve Grace Church in Macedonia, Ohio. “The leader sets the culture as to whether the church will be a transformational church or just an organized church. If we are producing ‘safe’ leaders in fear of doing something wrong, they will lack vision for what God could do in their church or organization.”
He believes the community aspect of leadership – of garnering an awareness of the greater story of God’s church and each individual’s role as a part of it – is important.
It is evident that Haymaker has a fervor for developing what he calls “transformational leaders” who are confident instead of controlling, full-of-faith risk takers instead of passive leaders, and who are firmly committed to God’s overarching mission over personal leadership preferences. He will share this passion during the Wednesday morning session (July 31) at the Vision 2020 South Conference, the national conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.
“Having a transformational perspective asks the question, what do we have to do together to reach the people that don’t know Christ? A transformational leader is a leader of story. If we don’t have story ourselves – we’ll never be able to motivate those around us.”
Jason and his wife, Marcie, has been a part of the staff of the Macedonia church since 1996 and moved into the lead pastor role in April of 2000. The couple has been married 20 years and has two children, Caleb, 15, and Emily, 12. The family enjoys quoting movies, camping, and Everybody Loves Raymond.
This year’s Vision 2020 South Leadership Conference will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta, Ga. The conference will feature inspirational speakers, mobile learning labs, and meals with a purpose.
For more information and registration information, see vision2020south.com. – by MariJean Sanders