It can be kind of depressing to read books on leadership if your heart is aching to lead, but your current ministry position is not that of a senior-leader. I’d say that the majority of the students in seminary are currently involved in ministry under a leader who is a little older and wiser than they. That’s why every seminary student and every minister who is not the primary leader in the church should read Leading from the Second Chair. This is the first (and only!) book I’ve come across that addresses the specific issues surrounding the “second chair.” As one who is currently Minister of Education and Missions (a “second chair” position), I found this book very helpful.
Authors Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson address the leadership needs of the “second chair” by focusing on three paradoxes. The first paradox is “Subordinate-Leader.” The authors address the sensitive relationship between the first and second chair leaders. The paradox lies in the second chair being a leader while at the same time being a subordinate. Navigating the tricky path between subordination and leadership can be a stressful experience at times, and the authors offer insights from their own experiences working under a “first chair” leader.
The second paradox is the “Deep-Wide” paradox. Second chair leaders have to see the big picture and make major decisions that affect the whole church. At the same time, many second-chair leaders are also deeply involved in the details that senior leaders do not have to deal with. How one manages to stay well versed in the details (deep) and focused on the betterment of the church’s vision (wide) is a paradox that second-chairs must embrace.
The third paradox resonated most with me: “Contentment-Dreaming.” The second chair must seek contentment in the ministry position that God has given him at the time, while continuing to maintain his God-given dreams for future ministry. I feel like I have been living in this paradox for the past ten years – not just since I became a “second chair.” In some respects, this paradox should be true of us all. We are called to dream of the future God has promised us, while continuing to maintain an attitude of contentment no matter what our present circumstances may be.
Leading from the Second Chair is an important book that deserves to be read by first and second chairs alike. The authors give practical, biblical advice on maneuvering through the minefield of potential mistakes that leaders and their subordinates can easily make.
written by Trevin Wax © 2007 Kingdom People blog
