For more than 40 years, a Spanish architect named Antoni Gaudí led the design and construction of one of the world’s most elaborate cathedrals. Located in Barcelona, Spain, La Sagrada Familia will be the largest religious structure in the world when it is finally completed. Gaudí was an exceptional visionary who reimagined the original design for the cathedral. He was guided by a compelling definition of success. “To do things right,” he said, “you need love and technique.”
Congregational leaders can learn from Gaudí. In leadership meetings, you can often feel the tension between those who favor love and those who advocate for technique. When diverse personalities discern what the church needs, people will often feel drawn to go in one direction or the other based on temperament, perception and other individual characteristics. But if Gaudí is right, we do not need to choose.
People who think problems can be fixed by better technique will focus on logistical matters like communication, organizational charts, job descriptions and other operational characteristics. Technique is important, to be sure. Just think of what would happen if Gaudí had tried to build a cathedral with careless stonemasons.
At the same time, when we focus exclusively on technique, we neglect the essential dynamic of love. Gaudí understood that the task of building a cathedral could not be undertaken well without a love for the work and ultimately a love for God. Congregational leaders need intentional practices that cultivate a deep love for God and love for God’s people. For example, how often does your leadership share personal check-ins? Does your governing board spend time praying about the needs of members? Are leaders expected to cultivate a growing relationship with God?
Love is not enough. Technique alone is insufficient. To do things right, you need love and technique.
Resources
What do our institutions teach us to love?
A professor of philosophy describes his own journey with Augustine and the importance of leaders paying attention to the formation of desire.
Q&A with James K.A. Smith
In decision-making, begin with love
Conversations about solutions often begin with what isn’t possible. But starting with what you love about possible options can energize and motivate your team.
By Nancy James
4 capacities needed to multiply your church’s ministry
Congregations ready to launch successful new initiatives typically possess four strands of congregational DNA — spiritual intensity, missional alignment, dynamic relationships and cultural openness. Measuring and strengthening these four capacities can prepare your church to leap from maintenance to gospel movement.
By Paul Nixon and Christie Latona
Good administration is good leadership
Competent, efficient, hands-on administration is just as important as the “big picture” leadership skills of inspiring a vision and nurturing theological purpose. Good management increases a church’s capacity to implement change and move forward.
By Will Willimon
Why deep listening matters for congregations and disciples
Listening — really listening — is the first step for participants in a program to build relationships between people on university campuses and the congregations near them, writes the program director of The Vinery.
By Alexis Carter Thomas
Before you go…
For Christian leaders, love and technique are not unrelated ideas. One shapes and influences the other. It takes real skill to develop an employee handbook, but developing a handbook that serves as a foundation for a caring ministry culture requires love.
As you begin to discern new leaders for next year, keep your eye out for people who demonstrate the capacity to do excellent work with deep love. I’ve known people like this, and it is always a joy to work with them. They bring the best of their professional expertise and offer their gifts with profound gratitude to God and genuine concern for other people and the mission of the church. May you lead well and always lead with love.
You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!
Prince Rivers
Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity
