In this Episode, Austin interviews Larry Gimnich about Leading from the Second Chair and Building a Leadership Team.

About Larry Gimnich:

Larry Gimnich serves as Associate Pastor at New Life Church in Cabot, Arkansas as well as the Dean of the Cabot Purpose Institute Campus.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

On Leading from the Second Chair:

• Ministry is pouring yourself in wherever you are at instead of always looking at the horizon.
• Your location of ministry is not a level of value, but gifting.
• Second-chair is not a lesser ministry, but a location of ministry.
• "Every church is better off when they have secure and committed second chairs." - Larry Gimnich
• For successful second-chair ministry, you need a confident and Christ-like first chair.
  • First-chairs who aren't threatened by others having influence in the church.
  • First-chairs who are not only willing to share the work, but also the people's hearts.
• 2 Keys of Cabot's Success: The attitude of the first-chair (Tim Gaddy) and the attitude of the congregation.

On the Importance of Building a Leadership Team and Casting Vision:

• "You can't afford to not build a team." - Larry Gimnich
• We are called to equip saints to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12).
• Jesus had a compelling vision and He invited the disciples to take part in it.
• Sometimes, you can pay people just by having a clear vision for them to buy into.
  • "People want to work for someone who has vision." - Larry Gimnich
• "People want to be involved in a work that is others-centered and not just menial tasks." - Larry Gimnich
  • "Delegate real responsibility." - Chantry Dean
• You don't need a team if you don't have a vision bigger than yourself.
  • "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." - African Proverb
  • "Individualism isn't productive in the Kingdom of God." - Larry Gimnich
• Volunteers must feel that they are a part of the shared experience.
• In order to increase your volunteer base, you've got to share with them.
  • Invite them in.
• "We are all called to lead. It is God's best version of us." - Larry Gimnich

These are just a few notes from this conversation. We pray it encourages, equips, and challenges you in your leadership.

Episode Links and Resources:

• "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown
• "How to Lead When You're Not in Charge" by Clay Scroggins
• "Leading from the Second Chair" by Mike Bonem & Roger Patterson
• "Thriving in the Second Chair" by Mike Bonem
• "Follow to Lead" by Stan Gleason
• "The Way of the Shepherd" by Kevin Leman