Over breakfast with a pastor this week, the subject of pastoral/church health emerged. (I know… you’re shocked). My friend wondered out loud about the contribution that systems—or a lack thereof—make to the overall health of a leader.

Systems is a cool word for processes. Recruiting, training, communication, small groups, and guest services are a few examples of systems. Effective systems bring benefits. Systems give vision railroad tracks to travel on. They address the canyon between reaching people and keeping people—keeping people and taking great care of them—taking great care of people and helping them find their fit—helping people find their fit and discipling them.

I believe systems do help a leader stay healthier. They allow churches to grow without grinding its leaders into powder. With great systems, a leader can say no more often, without a drop in quality/effectiveness. The problem is, a significant number of leaders either haven’t been exposed to the idea of systems; or they’ve been exposed but don’t know where to start. Some are not convinced they should start.

Top-notch systems are within reach of most churches regardless of their size, denomination—but they often require significant changes in a leader’s thought and behavioral patterns. They also require time to implement.

Here are quotes from a couple of church leaders we’ve provided system help to:

“Converge has laid the train tracks for us to break through the 400 barrier.” ~ Chad Deerman

“Hey John! I was thinking about all the work that you’ve done with us so far at our church and something struck me that I hadn’t thought about. You’ve come in and helped us view things systematically different without ever once forcing anything stylistically. I really appreciate your heart to help us change systems and structures without changing our identity.” ~ Robert Urie

I know the above quotes sound like a shameless plug… but most churches who are serious about implementing systems bring in outside help for a while to help them strategize, build, and launch those systems. A fresh set of eyes brings new perspectives, accountability, and ultimately, success.

Systems aren’t the end all/be all answer—but let’s get real—nothing is. The leader who thinks all he needs to stay healthy personally and corporately is systems… is mistaken. If he thinks all he needs is the Spirit… he’s mistaken again. It’s not either/or—it’s both/and. One dimensional leadership leads to less peace. An integrated approach yields better fruit. Leaders who adopt the both/and strategy report more peace of mind and less stress, even as their organization grows.

Who doesn’t want the Church to be able to take great care of all the people God brings to its door? Who doesn’t want its leaders to stay healthy while doing so? Systems allow for both wants to become reality.

So… systems or not? Your health depends on how you answer that question.