Second, we can tell stories rather than argue. Leaders can encourage interpersonal trust that creates shelters for safe talk about previously unspeakable forms of love and friendship. Third, pastors and church leaders at all levels can focus more on being trusted as persons than on guarding established rules or beliefs. In this way leaders can guide an assembly in making faith the ground for determining its position on an issue. And the Holy Spirit may still work unexpected miracles.
Authentic leaders make their witness in the midst of our human frailty.
Being prophetic is being personally accountable, not infallible. Congregations respond well to prophetic leaders who tell their own stories with candor and vulnerability, and who invite and model dialogues with members as partners in ministry. Authentic leaders are powerfully prophetic when they speak not from heights of revelation, but as peers and partners with their members in seeking God's guidance in their approach to all people. Trust is the key element of leadership, more important than theological convictions and leadership styles. Trust sustains congregations in facing explosive issues.