This is a lesson I learned from a flock of geese. Milton Olson studied the flight of wild geese and wrote about what he observed. I have encountered this story in many places. Marie Parma from Alabama shared it at a conference, Gary McIntosh, a leadership professor at Talbot Theological Seminary, included it in his writing, and a pastor from Texas also used it in his book.
The lesson is simple but powerful.
First, geese fly in a V-formation.
When they fly together in this formation, the birds behind the leader benefit from the lift created by the bird in front. By working together, the flock can fly much farther and more efficiently than a single bird could fly alone. The lesson is clear: working together creates synergy.
Second, geese stay in formation.
A goose does not simply fly wherever it wants. It stays connected to the others and follows the direction of the flock. There is a sense of belonging and responsibility to the whole group.
Third, leadership is shared.
When the goose in front becomes tired, another goose takes its place. The responsibility of leadership is not carried by one bird forever. They take turns.
Fourth, they encourage one another.
Geese make sounds as they fly, and this is often understood as a way of encouraging and coordinating with one another. They move together toward the same destination.
Fifth, they care for the weak.
When a goose becomes sick, wounded, or unable to continue, other geese stay with it rather than simply abandoning it. They accompany and protect the weaker member.
These characteristics of geese have often been used as an illustration of leadership. Although the illustration is about geese, I believe it has many similarities to our Lay Pastors Ministry.
The Ministry Leadership Group
In particular, I see a strong connection with the Ministry Leadership Group (MLG).
The Ministry Leadership Group is responsible for helping lead and sustain the ministry. It is not simply a committee that meets occasionally. It is a team that carries responsibility together.
First, the MLG seeks synergy.
Just as geese accomplish more by flying together, our ministry becomes stronger when leaders work together. One person cannot do everything. Each person contributes his or her gifts, experience, and strength.
Second, the MLG encourages mutual responsibility.
Our ministry clearly emphasizes responsibility. Training is not simply about gaining knowledge; training leads to responsibility. When people become lay pastors, they accept responsibility for caring for the people entrusted to them.
Third, leaders need encouragement from one another.
The director needs the encouragement of the senior pastor. The lay pastors need encouragement from the Ministry Leadership Group. The members of the leadership group need encouragement from one another. And ultimately, the whole ministry needs the encouragement and support of its senior leader.
Leadership cannot survive on responsibility alone. Responsibility needs encouragement.
Fourth, regular meetings are essential.
Geese remain connected because they continue to fly together. In the same way, our Ministry Leadership Group needs regular meetings. We meet not simply because meetings are required, but because meetings help us remain connected, evaluate the ministry, solve problems, encourage one another, and make necessary adjustments.
Finally, no one should be left behind.
This may be one of the most beautiful lessons from the geese. When one becomes weak, others stay with it. That is very close to the heart of pastoral care. In the Lay Pastors Ministry, we do not simply care for the strong. We care especially for those who are hurting, struggling, wounded, or in need.
As I reflect on the geese, I realize that the spirit of the flock is very similar to the spirit we need in our ministry.
We need to fly together.
We need to share leadership.
We need to accept responsibility.
We need to encourage one another.
We need to meet regularly.
And we need to make sure that no one is left behind.
The geese remind us that effective leadership is not about one person flying at the front while everyone else follows.
Leadership is about moving together toward the same destination.
That is the kind of leadership we need in the Lay Pastors Ministry.