Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory

by Tod Bolsinger

Of all the competing demands of leadership in every sector, perhaps the most difficult for a Christian leader is when the tough decision that will strengthen or even save the church, organization or institution creates difficulty for individuals. To be sure, these are the hardest decisions I have personally had to make as a leader. Three different times in my pastoral ministry and within the very first year at the seminary, I was part of decisions that led to painful layoffs of beloved dedicated employees. In every case there were some who thought a Christian organization should never do layoffs. (“If we are a family, how can we just let someone go?”) At the same time, we are responsible not only to those who work for the organization but also to those who give to the mission, who are shareholders for the company, who have invested time and resources in an organization that exists for more than giving employment to Christian people.