In 1987, J. Gordon Kingsley, president of William Jewell College wrote that the real work of the president is to learn the story of the college in order to tell its story--to help others find their place in that story, so that they can become participants in writing the college's next chapter.

If we change the role from president to pastor and college to church, I have discovered the quintessential job description of a pastor.

"The real work of the pastor is to learn the story of the church in order
to tell its story--to help others find their place in that story, so that they
can become participants in writing the church's next chapter."

Gil Rendle hits the name on the head when he says, "Leadership happens when the leader tells a story sufficiently healthy, authentic, and purposeful for others to feel connection, respond with resonance, and find greater meaning. Connection happens when people are able to say to themselves, 'I see myself in that story.'"

These are just a couple of the thoughts that I have taken to heart so far this week in my studies. Soak them in and think about it. It makes perfect sense to me.