Because life advances at the speed of trust, building relationships on integrity and respect is welcomed support for community leaders. COVID magnified the need for relational community strength and accelerated change. Make the effort in 2021 to personally be familiar with all 15 leaders on this list.
The Mayor. That person may change in the course of a ministry, but knowing the primary political leader can be a good thing. If you can’t get access to the mayor, get to know a council member.
The MP and MLA. Serving in an elected provincial or federal role come with its own pressures. Connecting on a relational, not political basis is wise. Everyone asks elected officials for help. Come alongside leaders with non-partisan relational and spiritual support.
The school district superintendent. She or he will know the needs of the local schools—and local churches have opportunities to meet some of these needs.
At least one local school principal. Partner with at least one school in a longer-term relationship. Perhaps you could reach administrators and teachers through these efforts.
Other pastors and spiritual leaders in the community. Do you participate in your local ministerial? Meeting with or at least being familiar with ministers from different denominational backgrounds and spiritual leaders from different religions will enhance your worldview and help promote understanding rather than division among leaders.
Chamber of Commerce president. This leader generally has a handle on what’s happening in the local business community, and pastors involved at some level with the Chamber have opportunities to develop relationships with other leaders.
The editor of the local paper.
Planning department leaders. The name of this department may vary in each community, but I would always want to know the leaders who have knowledge of future development plans in the area.
Food bank or homeless shelter leaders. Even in the most affluent communities, these kinds of needs arise. Knowing what resources are available will make us better pastors.
Police chief and fire chief. These first responders daily face tough issues, and they lead men and women who put their lives on the line every day. We need to know them and be a pastoral resource for them.
Mental Health workers. Organizations that offer counselling, and community for those suffering from all forms of mental distress.
Hospital chaplains. You never know when you’ll need their help in ministering to a church member. Plus, they’re good resources for training your laypeople to minister in health crises.
A local Christian counsellor. I was required to do a lot less counselling because I (a) admitted what I didn’t know, and (b) knew trusted counsellors to whom I could refer our church family.
The local funeral home director(s).
Are there some other community personnel that we've missed on this list? Who do you connect with? Please leave a comment below.
Bob Jones is the founder of REVwords.com, an author, blogger, and coach with 39 years of pastoral experience. Bob is also an Advance Coach with the ABNWT Resource Centre. You can connect with Bob here.