ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a new, emerging leadership model that has the potential to enable church leaders to shepherd more effectively. It offers a real-life story of shepherding significant change in a typical church congregation. The collaborative leadership paradigm calls the church to discern its position in contemporary society, grasp the tools available to the leader, and intentionally apply the team-based model. Some valid leadership models involve a hierarchy of strong directive leadership from the top of the organization. Collaborative or team-based leadership is the best way to harness the leverage of persuasion for achieving an environment of belonging, participation, and ownership. Effective leaders must create a sense of belonging, participation, ownership, and movement. Providing opportunities for belonging, participation, and ownership are critical to the church leader's task, especially in the current culture. Church leadership must, then, prepare more thoroughly and allow more time for implementation than for-profit corporations.
