A Reluctant Leader from Down Under

Our church recently had the privilege of hosting the father/son team of Kevin and Mark Conner. This dynamic duo from Down Under did tag-team ministry during our March "LeaderLectures" at the Every Nation Leadership Institute in Fort Bonifacio, Philippines.

Though Mark grew up as a preacher's kid - a PK - he did not always see himself being a senior pastor of a huge church. (Pastor Kevin does not like the PK label so he says Mark is his T.O. or his "theological offspring".)

Mark started out his ministry career, not as a senior pastor, but as a piano player on the worship team, eventually serving as worship leader. He was content being a worship leader and did not see it as a stepping stone to a higher more important position.

After a few years he was asked to serve as the youth pastor. He accepted this position because he saw the importance and urgency of ministering to young people. A few more years passed and Mark was functioning as the church's business manager, because there was a need and he seemed to have the right skills to do the job. Next stop was associate pastor overseeing small groups.

Then, twelve years ago, Mark was asked to serve as senior pastor of CityLife Church, receiving the leadership baton from living legend, Kevin Connor, who received the baton from the founding pastor, Richard Holland.

So, Mark now leads a church where both former senior ministers are members. Unfortunately, in our dysfunctional generation, situations like this seem to be extremely rare.   What a great example to see three generations of leaders honoring one another, working together and cheering each other on.

Founding pastor, 87 year-old Richard Holland, says it like this: "I was good. Kevin was better. Mark is the best." Senior pastor number two, 80 year-old Kevin Conner says it like this: "We promised Richard a salary for life, we just didn't realize he would live so long."   

What can reluctant leaders everywhere learn from this humble pastor, who now leads one of the largest most influential churches in Australia?

Lesson 1. Leadership is about serving, not grabbing titles.

Lesson 2. Leadership is about meeting needs, not doing what we enjoy the most.

Lesson 3. Leadership is about growing, not staying in our comfort zone.

Lesson 4. Leadership is recognizing and honoring fathers, not arrogantly assuming we are smart enough to accomplished all this alone without any help from those who went before us.

(By the way, Kevin Conner is another 'reluctant leader' who never fought for recognition, titles or position. He one of the finest Christians I have ever known. I want to be like him when I grow up. He is amazing, still going strong at 80, circling the globe teaching God's word and doing his stand-up comedy routine.)

Comments

[vincent dinh]

Real life examples that you bring to the blogspot gives me A FRAMEWORK of perspective that keep moving forward in God's prescribed journey! Thanks and salamat po:) Cecile says "Hi" from Wash,DC.

[Jonathan]

hi. just wondering, why do you call the blog title "reluctant leader"? what's the meaning to it?

[Daniel Zhao]

Yes, It's right 'Leadership is recognizing and honoring fathers, not arrogantly assuming', It's great to see example like this.Give us more faith to move forward. From GZ.EA.

[Daniel Zhao]

Finally, sing up. It's so true:'Leadership is recognizing and honoring fathers, not arrogantly assuming'. Good example gave us more encouragement to move forward. From GZ,EA.

[steve murrell]

jonathan asked: "just wondering, why do you call the blog title "reluctant leader"? what's the meaning to it?"

good question, jonathan. i have been plannning to answer that in a future blog. the short answer is that i am and always have been a reluctant leader, preferring for someone else, anyone else to lead. the long answer will appear on the "reluctant leader" blog within the week, complete with famous reluctant leaders from both the OT & NT. stay tuned, and keep on leading, whether you want to or not.

[Happy Chappy]

Loved this article. After 34 years in ministry I can agree wholeheartedly with the 4 lessons! Serving God's people has been a joy for me and for every member of my family. I believe it keeps us on track with God!