A Brand New Role
by Tim Keller, Lead Pastor
One of the questions I’ve heard frequently in the past week is, “So what exactly does a Regional Team Leader do?”
Having never done it before my answer is confined to what I have been told it will be by those who have called me to do it.
The Western Pennsylvania District has nearly 140 Alliance churches in it (compared to 85 churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania District). The previous district superintendent designed a way for the district to serve so many churches effectively and efficiently. So they divided the geographic area into three regions (Southwest, Southeast, and Northern). Each of these regions has approximately 45-50 churches in it and is led by a Regional Team Leader. In essence, each serves as a District Superintendent to the churches in his region.
The region Cheri and I will be serving is the Northern region. Coudersport will be the eastern-most church in our area and the several churches in Erie will represent the western end of our zone. For the most part our region is defined in the south by interstate 80 – although there are some exceptions.
I’ve been told to expect to travel about 30,000 miles a year visiting churches and meeting with pastors and their governing boards. Twice a month I’ll need to drive to the district office in Punxsutawney for staff meetings with the District Superintendent and the other two Regional Team Leaders.
We’ve begun the process of searching for a home in the area of Grove City. This would place us near two major highways (79 and 80) that would make access to the churches in our region easier. Grove City is also home to a very strong Alliance church we could connect with for Sundays when we are not on the road doing ministry.
So what does a Regional Team Leader do?
- Work with the District Superintendent to develop vision and direction for the district.
- Equip, encourage and develop coaching relationships with pastors.
- Help churches with pastoral transitions
- Emphasize church planting and strong missions programs.
- Coach pastors and churches in conflict resolution.
- Multiply and mobilize leaders in the region.
- Support and participate in the camping ministries of the district.
- Developing growth strategies and strategic plans for the region.
One of the joys of this new role will be the fact that Cheri will be able to travel with me frequently and help fulfill the role of connecting with pastors’ wives. I’m really looking forward to this aspect of this new role.
Your prayers for us have been and will be deeply appreciated.
