Frodo, The Ring, and Lonely Leadership

Leadership is a lonely place.

That's what they tell you.  It's something that first chair leaders always quip about, and it's something you read in leadership books.

But is that necessarily true?  I mean, can't you have relationships with other leaders, or with those you trust and be a little less lonely?

I used to think like that when I viewed leadership.  I was determined to buck the trend and refused to think of leadership and lonely as magnets.  Idealistically, I felt determined to make it work out.

And now.  I sorta get it.

By all accounts I've started my first lead pastorship with my home church and if I can be honest and real- I'm feeling the loneliness quite a bit.  And I don't think it has to do with not having enough friends or a "support community" to lean back on.  I'm sure it would help- but not sure it would take the loneliness completely away.   I realize in this moment that even if I was best buddies with Steve Furtick- in the end, I'M the one still responsible for stewarding the vision God has given me. And only me, no matter how much support, wisdom, comfort others may be able to give.  And there's an inherent loneliness in that.  I'm reminded of Frodo and the ring.  That ring got heavy around his neck as he made progress in his journey, but only he could carry it, no matter how much the others wanted to carry it for him.  In the same way, first chair leaders carry a vision that only they, being set up by God as leaders, can see it through, and will be held responsible.  It's a lonely place.

But with all that said, maybe we're meant to feel it.  It signifies that we're pursuing something so great and big that we can only feel that way.  If your vision was smaller, perhaps you'd feel less lonely because it's more within your means and grasp to accomplish it and not as intimidating.  In the same vein, perhaps we're meant to feel that way because in the end, it drives us to the only One capable of anything close to taking it away- both in the fulfillment of the vision and rest- Jesus.  Intimacy with Him, and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.  Jesus was the ultimate visionary who for the "joy set before Him, endured the cross scorning it's shame".  And apart from Jesus, no one would be able to fully relate to that weight of responsibility upon our shoulders.

Nevertheless, through the course of these past few weeks, I've come to acquire such a deeper and greater admiration/appreciation for lead pastors.  Stewarding the vision and burden on their hearts- it takes someone "called" to do it.  Otherwise, the pressure and weight of stewarding/shepherding a culture responsible for the spiritual vitality of an entire generation can be suffocating.  In as much as we can admire/envy the publicity, fame and platform of leaders- may we be sympathetic that behind the glamor there's a cost to be paid and a loneliness behind every leader to their uniquely called mission, that not everyone is willing to be so vulnerable about.  As the Church may we pray for them and make their calling a joy and not a burden.  I've been learning already the past week or two of how much it means the world to me when I see one of my church members come alive and get behind me as I vision cast although we've only related for a short period of time.  I've also learned quite quickly how enervating it can be to drag people along and work overtime to inspire/communicate/articulate vision- although that in itself is still a necessary and worthwhile endeavor.

Leadership is lonely.  It would help the church to be conscientious of that.  How can we respond?

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.  -Hebrews 13:17

Church, may we make their work a joy and not a burden- Lord knows, carrying a vision- they have enough of it already!