LESSONS LEARNT IN LEADERSHIP

Bishop Dr Rudolph H Parkinson is one of the UK’s most senior leaders within the Black Pentecostal Church. He shares some of what 50+ years of public ministry have taught him with their personal challenges and had confidence to share them with me. I have learnt the essential skill of listening, which can keep you at the cutting edge of ministry.

Ihave been in active ministry for over 50 years in the New Testament Church of God (NTCG). During this time, I have grown to understand that there is so much we can learn from others. I have had various appointments since my early Christian life in ministry, where at the age of 22, I was appointed to my first pastorate, after completing three years at Bible College. After spending approximately 10 years in pastoral work, little did I know that the Lord was preparing me for my first appointment at National Leadership. This enabled me to enter full-time ministry as the church’s National Director of Youth & Christian Education (as it was known at the time).

This was my first experience of financial self-sacrifice and denial, as the church was unable to match my secular salary. I knew, however, I had to answer my call to serve full time in my vocation. This was one of the most inspiring and satisfying times of my ministry: aiding the development of young men and women, many of whom are now pastors and church leaders within NTCG and other church streams.

I went on to serve as National Secretary Treasurer and held two District Bishop roles, the last of which was the New Testament Church of God Brixton District, a position I held for 20 years.

During my time of leadership, I recognise that one of the most important factors is to remain current and embrace lifelong learning as a means of not stagnating and recognising that, for one’s ministry to remain sharp and on point, we have to understand the wider challenges of life; what affects people in their day-to-day life; and the issues prevailing in society. It is so vital to study and correctly apply the Word to those given situations. We are forever scholars, so from my early start as a scholar, I remain a scholar to this very day.

Church leadership should not be viewed as some kind of celebrity status; it is important to recognise that unless there is self-sacrifice and denial, it is difficult to be an effective and empathetic leader. We have to take up our cross and follow Jesus, our Example. We have to put ourselves in the place of those who are in challenging situations to understand, as Paul said: ‘To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak…. in order that I may save some’ (1 Corinthians 9:22). The word ‘some’ means not everyone will be open to what we have to say, but if one person is helped because we were willing to reach down and pull them up, that is one person we have got through the door who may not have made it. Self-denial and sacrifice are so important.

Finally, we must love people. Jesus told Peter: “Feed My sheep.” In other words, we must love those whom God has placed into our care or bring us into contact with for the sake of the Kingdom. This is not always easy, as sometimes the very people who make our lives difficult are the same ones who reach out to us for pastoral care, guidance, support and Christian leadership. What should constrain us to do what we do, is the Word of the One who sets our examples, who bore the infirmity of our failings on the cross, was mocked and cursed, but still now advocates for all — good, bad or indifferent. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

If you would like to know more about The Man Behind the Collar, the title of my debut book, visit https://bit.ly/ManBehindCollar I hope my book will help you on your personal journey.

Another thing I have learnt, which is key to being or remaining an effective leader, is to listen. It is so important to be a keen listener, not just to hear what people are saying but to listen and, when we begin to listen, we have a deeper understanding of what people are actually saying

There have been many occasions when I have sat on the other side of the table and thought the person opposite has so much courage and strength to come and share what they are sharing with me. Given the same circumstances, I am not sure if I would be able to do that. I have been left with great admiration for those who have entrusted me