Brian Tome

Insights from Brian

Biblical Foundation of Leadership Development

Brian Tome reminds us that leadership development is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Drawing on the stories of Moses and Joshua, he emphasizes the importance of having successors ready to lead. He warns against the “saying-doing gap” where leaders might talk about development but fail to follow through with their actions. This gap can undermine the effectiveness of leadership within the church.

Long-Term Impact of Leadership Development

Investing in leadership development yields significant benefits over the long term. Tome encourages leaders to focus on actions that will be appreciated ten years in the future, rather than just seeking immediate gains. Unfortunately, the lack of immediate urgency often leads to neglecting this critical area. Tome’s insights challenge us to think ahead and invest in the future.

The Role of Discipleship and Development

Discipleship is a core element of the Great Commission, and effective leadership development involves creating leaders who can succeed and even surpass the current leadership. Tome discusses how churches often face crises due to the lack of developed leaders when expansion or new initiatives arise. He stresses the importance of proactive discipleship and development to ensure the church’s growth and sustainability.

Leadership as a Ten Commandment Priority

Tome argues that leadership development should be viewed as a critical responsibility, similar to following the Ten Commandments. Failing to develop leaders is seen as a dereliction of duty. He calls for making leadership development a non-negotiable aspect of ministry, ensuring that it remains a top priority.

Challenges and Solutions in Leadership Development

Leaders often miss out on the wisdom and innovation of emerging leaders by not investing in their development. Tome highlights the high turnover rates that can result from neglecting leadership development and the necessity of having leaders who are proactive in nurturing and developing the next generation.

Metaphor of the Rancher vs. Shepherd

Pastors should think more like ranchers, focusing on growth and replication, rather than just shepherding. Ranchers are constantly expanding and developing their herd, which parallels the need for continuous leadership development in the church. This mindset shift is crucial for long-term growth and sustainability.

The Cost of Ignoring Leadership Development

Ignoring leadership development leads to missed opportunities for innovation and fresh perspectives. Tome explains that churches may face higher turnover and a lack of continuity in leadership roles. He emphasizes that leadership development should be seen as a strategic long-term investment, not just a short-term task.

Big Rocks Principle

Tome introduces the “Big Rocks” principle, where immovable commitments like leadership development meetings are prioritized. He advises delegating prime leadership opportunities to others to foster growth and constantly identifying and investing in potential leaders. Allocating financial resources specifically for leadership development and retention is also crucial.

Funding Leadership Development

To fund leadership development, Tome suggests organizing retreats that include team-building activities, implementing a bonus structure as an incentive for performance and loyalty, and using deferred compensation plans to incentivize long-term commitment.

Failures in Leadership Development

Allowing unqualified leaders to have undue influence is a significant failure. Tome stresses the importance of including people while recognizing when they are not ready for leadership roles. Honest and timely feedback is crucial for effective leadership development.

Leadership Challenges and Transition Strategies

Tome discusses the difficulty in reducing the responsibilities of leaders who are not performing and the challenge of maintaining young leadership in a growing organization. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear leadership pipeline and succession planning, as well as the critical role of trust, chemistry, and relational connection in leadership transitions.

Developing and Promoting Leaders

Ensuring a high level of trust and relational connection before promoting someone to a key leadership position is essential. Tome advises gradually increasing responsibilities to assess and ensure readiness and recognizing and nurturing unique visions and leadership gifts in individuals.

Handling Stress in Leadership

Identifying leaders who can manage stress effectively without negatively impacting their personal life or team is crucial. Tome highlights the importance of emotional resilience and maintaining a healthy work-life balance in leadership roles.

Vision and Unique Ministry

Tome emphasizes the need for leaders to have a clear vision for their ministry and encourages innovative and original visions that can make a significant impact. He also shares personal insights on milestone birthdays and their impact on his leadership perspective, focusing on fulfilling his unique ministry and creating a sustainable leadership development pipeline.