** Leader Book**

Last Updated: Sep 2024

Our Mission

We Exist To Make Jesus Accessible To Anyone

We believe Jesus has the power to transform lives, and a relationship with Him can grow anyone’s faith, purpose, relationships, and life. That’s why we’re committed to making Jesus accessible to anyone—no matter their background or where they are on their journey. We know our church might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely for anyone. As it says in Ephesians 3:4-6, “…The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.” Our mission is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to encounter Jesus in a way that’s clear, simple, and life-changing.

Systems/Strategies

The system refers to the process of development of each individual within our mission.

The strategy serves the mission and works within the system.

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | ## System | ## Strategy | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | What do we do? | How do we do it? | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Know God Personally | Sunday Services | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Break the Cycle | Small Groups | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Discover Their Purpose | Next Steps | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Make a Difference | Dream Team | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Core Values & Standards

Core Values

Our values help create a clear culture where people can come and experience our church. Culture is created by the attitudes and behaviors we model, allow, celebrate, and correct. Our behaviors come from what we believe and those beliefs stem from fundamental core values. People who thrive in our culture operate within these values.

Standards

Standards are specific values played out in how we do ministry. These stem from strong expectations to keep our culture in sync. This will create alignment between the team's beliefs and behavior.

We Love God

We are passionate about the presence of God and developing our character. living a life that reflects the love of Christ.

Standards:

• Pray first: Let prayer be your foundation. Before anything else, connect with God to guide your actions.
• Do everything with passion: Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart. Let your love for God be visible in your actions.
• Lead from the front: Lead by example in worship and service. Your passion for God will inspire others to follow.

We Love People

We grow relationally with the team and have a genuine love for the people we serve: those who attend church and those outside the church.

Standards

• Be a servant: Step in wherever needed, just like Jesus did. Never say, “That’s not my job.”
• Don’t point; walk with: Come alongside people and give them the support and resources they need to take their next step. Don’t just tell them where to go—walk with them and make sure they feel seen, valued, and ready for what’s ahead.
• Talk with people, not about them: If there’s an issue, go directly to the person involved. Keep unity by having honest, direct conversations.

We Pursue Excellence

Whatever we do, we will do it to the best of our ability and continually develop the gifts that God has given us.

Standards:

• Start and end on time: Honor people’s time. Be punctual and respectful of schedules.
• Architect your atmosphere: Create an environment that feels welcoming and intentional. Every detail should show care and preparation.
• Come prepared: Whatever your role, show up ready. Preparation is key to doing things well.

We Choose Joy

We endeavor to have the mind of Christ and approach life with an attitude of humility and an atmosphere of fun. We are not slaves to our emotions; our attitude is dependent upon our focus.

Standards:

• Make it fun: Serving should be a joy, not a burden. Bring energy and excitement to everything you do.
• See the positive: Focus on the good in every situation. Celebrate what God is doing, even when things don’t go as planned.
• Smile while you serve: A smile can change someone’s day. Let your joy be contagious.

Sounds

Every culture, organization, and family has its own language or dialect. Sounds are the "inside language" of our church.

• **"Clarify & Verify": **Leave no room for assumption.
• "Sit One, Serve One": Remember that we want Journey Church to be a place where you can both serve and be fed. Make it a priority to attend services regularly in addition to serving, so that you can continue to grow and be inspired.
• **"1.5x speed": **We're going to do this faster than normal, but not so fast that communication breaks down.
• "We don't have a task to do but a team to build.": The win is not getting things done but rather building teams that get things done. Anything can be handed off if handed off well.
• "You're important but not that important": We value your contributions, but remember, the ministry continues with or without any one of us. This should relieve some pressure—knowing the mission is bigger than any one person.
• "Don't fall in love with your seat on the bus.": Be flexible. Your purpose (the bus) is bigger than your position and title (the seat).
• "Be a shepherd, not a cowboy.": Lead through inspiration, not intimidation.
• **"Fail **forward." Learn from your mistakes. Failing is unavoidable; learning is optional.
• "Think lids, not ceilings.": We understand that every problem has a solution, and if we think it doesn't (that we hit the ceiling)-then we are the problem, and we must raise the "lid" (we must grow; or go, and make space for someone who can).
• "We don't practice on people.": Because we pursue excellence, we practice, rehearse, plan ahead, troubleshoot, and prepare before serving our guests.
• "Who is your plus one? (+1)": Who are you developing?
• "Clear is kind.": Oftentimes we avoid clear and direct communication because we think it is kinder to ourselves and others to "soften the blow." But in reality, we are being unkind, unfair and often manipulative. Clarity in leadership is an integral piece to building healthy teams and fulfilling our mission.
• “Assume the best”****: Start from a place of trust, believing in the good intentions of others. But don’t shy away from the conversation—clarity comes from open dialogue, ensuring everyone stays aligned and on the same page.
• **“Create memorable moments”: **Every interaction is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Be intentional in creating experiences that people will remember, because it’s these moments that build connection and leave a lasting impression.
• **“Disagreement happens in the meeting, division happens outside the meeting.”: **Meetings are a safe place to disagree but when they are over, we walk out in alignment.
• **“Work hard to make it easy”: **Put in the effort behind the scenes so that others can experience simplicity. The goal is to make everything we do feel seamless and accessible, creating a smooth path for those we serve.
• “Leave it better than we found it”: Steward situations, relationships, places, or tasks by adding value to it and leave the environment better because you were there.

Leader Profile

Identifying leaders is essential to having alignment within our organization. In an effort to increase our impact, leaders are the most valuable resource we have. Jesus said, "Make disciples". Our way of saying that at Journey Church is, "Leaders made here!" Therefore our first step, and one of our most important responsibilities, is identifying those future leaders by defining the qualifications needed to be a leader.

Luke 12:48 (NLT) "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."

No one is perfect, but to step into leadership, these are the essential character traits  you need to possess:

Jesus Centered

Leaders keep Jesus as their focus, not drama or trivial issues. They center on Jesus as savior, and worship passionately; Jesus as sanctifier, and develop a discipline of exposure to God's word & prayer; Jesus as soon returning King, and serve & evangelize.

Teachable

Leaders are not easily offended. They don't get defensive, because they want to grow and understand that the person bringing instruction or correction wants them to grow too. Leaders don't "know it all", and choose to wake up every morning as "beginners". They proactively seek out feedback by asking questions and listening, because as long as leaders stay humble, they stay learning. They know that instant feedback saves time, is more accurate, and means not having to guess what the other person is thinking. Instant feedback also presumes that the communication will not be polished or filtered.

Extreme Owners

Leaders handle people and projects with care because they see them as our own: they own the responsibility. Leaders also own the results; there's no one else to blame. They don't make excuses. They acknowledge their mistakes and in doing so discover opportunities for growth. Leaders believe there are no bad teams, only bad leaders.

Honor Up, Down and All Around

We honor the leaders above us because of the authority God has given them. We honor the leaders who work alongside us because of the responsibility God has given them. And we honor the people we lead because God has given them to us. Leaders honor in the thoughts we have about others, the words we speak to & about others, and the deeds we do for others.

Heart for the House

Leaders must have a "heart for the house", demonstrated by fully embracing, communicating, and living out our vision and values. They LOVE Journey Church and consider it a privilege to invest in the house (time, treasure, and talent), and to share what God's doing through it with their friends and family.

Trustworthy

Leaders possess the courage to be honest, no matter the cost. They have proven that they can be trusted with money, personal information, and intimacies. They seek first to understand and their motives are pure. They're committed to maintaining their abilities at the level of their responsibilities. And they possess the 5 character traits listed above**
**

C.A.R.E.

(Communication, Accountability, Relationship, Encouragement)

Effective leadership in a church context requires a commitment to providing care to those you lead. It means demonstrating the love of Christ through how you communicate, support, and encourage those under your guidance. The C.A.R.E. model provides a framework for doing just that.

Communication

As church leaders, we must be intentional about creating an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged. We must listen actively and show empathy to those we lead. By doing so, we create a safe space for people to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

Accountability

Accountability is an essential aspect of effective leadership. It means setting clear expectations and holding people accountable for their goals and tasks. It also means providing feedback and coaching to help people grow in their roles and become the best version of themselves.

Relationship

Building relationships is at the heart of church leadership. It means getting to know those you lead on a personal level, investing in their lives, and demonstrating care and concern. As church leaders, we are called to shepherd the flock entrusted to us, and building relationships is an essential part of that calling.

Encouragement

As church leaders, we have a unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate the successes and milestones of those we lead. We can also provide support and encouragement when they face challenges. By doing so, we create an environment where people feel valued and supported, and we build a culture of care and encouragement.

By committing to the C.A.R.E. model of leadership, we can build healthy, thriving teams that are equipped to do the work of the Kingdom.

Leadership Layers


Org Chart

View Organizational Chart

Leader Expectations and Responsibilities

We lead more effectively when we know what is expected of us. Clarifying expectations reduces stress, brings focus to action, and makes teams more productive.

All Leaders

Healthy Leader = Healthy Church

There are certain relationships we want leaders to intentionally develop and thrive in.

First and foremost, we expect leaders to take care of themselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Let's not "...gain the world, and lose our soul" (Matt. 16:26).

We expect leaders to develop healthy relationships with Christ, their family, the church, and their world. The chart below highlights indicators of healthy, thriving relationships.

Relationship With Christ

• Practice having a sabbath, and keep it holy.
• Daily intentional time in the Word and in prayer.
• Sharing with others what God is speaking to you.

Relationship With Family

• Praying as a family and spending quality time together.
• Honoring your family by meeting their needs.
• Leading your family in meeting their needs.

Relationship With Church

• Gather: Never let the church you serve stop being the church you attend. Being present on Sundays, church events, and leader events.
• Give: Tithing and serving on a team.
• Groups: Lead or participate regularly in a Small Group.

Relationship With The World

• Making a positive impact in people's lives.
• Always inviting people to church.
• Representing the church well in your circles and on social media.

Lead Pastor

• Who guides you? Overseers
• What's your purpose? Cast Vision
• Who do you C.A.R.E. **for? **Executive Directors/Campus Pastors
• **How often do you have 1-on-1s? **
  • As needed with Executive Directors/Campus Pastors
• What's your function?
  • Set direction and tone for the church
  • Ensure priorities and goals align with God's vision
  • Collaborate with Executive Directors to establish and refine the church's vision and mission
• On the weekend, what's your responsibility?
  • Deliver the weekly message during services
  • Connect with guests

Executive Director/Campus Pastor

• **Who guides you? **Lead Pastor
• What's your purpose? Carry the vision
• **Who do you C.A.R.E. for? **Directors
• **How often do you have 1-on-1s? **
  • Weekly with Lead Pastor
  • Weekly with Directors
• What's your function?
  • Develop and implement plans for achieving vision
  • Cast vision and provide guidance to directors
  • Collaborate with Lead Pastor to bring new vision and strategy
• On the weekend, what's your responsibility?
  • Connect with guests.
  • Step in for directors if needed.
  • Ensure campus events run smoothly

Central Director

• Who guides you? Executive Director/Campus Pastor
• What's your purpose? Develop the strategy
• Who do you C.A.R.E. **for? **Campus Directors
• **How often do you have 1-on-1s? **
  • Weekly with Executive Director
  • As needed with Campus Directors
  • Bi-weekly with coordinators and Campus Pastors
• What's your function?
  • Guide and resource (order supplies, create curriculum, etc) Campus Directors
  • Develop and communicate systems and strategies
  • Provide feedback to Executive Director on effectiveness of strategies
• On the weekend, what's your responsibility?
  • Observe campuses every 4-6 weeks
  • Connect with guests
  • Provide support for Campus Directors

Campus Director

• Who guides you? Campus Pastor
• What's your purpose? Develop Leaders
• Who do you C.A.R.E. **for? **Coordinators
• **How often do you have 1-on-1s? **
  • Bi-Weekly with Campus Pastor
  • As needed with Campus Directors
  • Bi-weekly with Coordinators
• What's your function?
  • Identify and develop new leaders within department
  • Ensure effective plan execution
  • Provide feedback to Central Director on development of leaders
• On the weekend, what's your responsibility?
  • Observe and inspect teams
  • Connect with guests
  • Start the onboarding process for new Dream Teamers (see onboarding guide)

Coordinator

• Who guides you? Campus Director
• What's your purpose? Create the plan
• Who do you C.A.R.E. **for? **Team Leaders
• **How often do you have 1-on-1s? **
  • Bi-weekly with directors
  • Bi-weekly with team leaders
• What's your function?
  • Develop clear and actionable plans to achieve objectives
  • Coordinate team schedules
  • Communicate ideas and feedback on improving plans and execution.
• On the weekend, what's your responsibility?
  • Evaluate systems and strategies
  • Evaluate the team
  • Onboard new team members

Team Leader

• Who guides you? Coordinator
• What's your purpose? Communicate the plan
• Who do you C.A.R.E. for? Dream Teamers
• How often do you have 1-on-1s?
  • Bi-Weekly with coordinators
  • Monthly touch points with Dream Teamers
• What's your function?
  • Implement plans and strategies within the team
  • Develop team members and provide support and resources
  • Provide feedback to the Coordinator on effectiveness of plans
• On the weekend, what's your responsibility?
  • Lead team huddles
  • Ensure training of new team members
  • Assign positions and ensure proper coverage

Dream Teamer

• Who guides you? Team Leader
• **What's your purpose? **Execute the plan
• What's your function?
  • Provide feedback to the Team Leader on improving plan execution
  • Work with the Team Leader to carry out plans within the team
  • Contribute to the development of the team and the achievement of its goals
• On the weekend, what's your responsibility?
  • Complete assigned tasks on the team
  • Collaborate with teammates to achieve goals
  • Represent the church and team positively to guests

Leading Effective Huddles

In a huddle, team members circle up together, not for conversation, but as an opportunity for the leader to clarify expectations, create unity, cast vision, and pray.

1. Pray First
   1. Pray for our Pastors, teams, and guests coming
      *Personal prayer requests are reserved for another time.
2. The Why
   1. Why do we do what we do?
   2. Mission: We exist to make Jesus accessible to anyone.
3. Core Value or Standard
   1. Each week in your huddle highlight one core value or standard
      Love God, Love People, Choose Joy, Pursue Excellence
4. Updates
   1. What are you working on as a team today?
   2. Are there any changes or updates you need to communicate?
5. Honor/Encourage
   1. Take a minute to highlight or honor a person or people on your team.
   2. Give one last word of encouragement and send everyone out with passion

Tips:

• Arrive early
• Designate and communicate a location ahead of time
• Start and end on time
• Be passionate

Effective 1-on-1

Leader's Responsibilities:

• Encourage direct report to lead the meeting with a prepared agenda
• Schedule consistent meetings for progress tracking
• Provide feedback and coaching as needed
• Take notes and follow up on action items

Direct Report's Responsibilities:

• Take the lead in preparing the agenda and guide the discussion
• Provide updates, feedback, and take ownership of action items

Agenda Example:

1. Pray First
2. Celebrate Wins: Share any successes or milestones achieved since the last meeting
3. Address Roadblocks: Identify any challenges, barriers or roadblocks, and discuss strategies to overcome them
4. Discuss Future Goals: Share any upcoming plans or initiatives and brainstorm ways to achieve them
5. Give and Receive Feedback: Share and discuss constructive feedback to enhance growth and development.
6. Follow Up: Review action items and commitments made during the meeting and set a timeline for follow-up and progress updates.

Leadership Calendar

+-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | January 2025 | February 2025 | March 2025 | | | | | | Event: Leader Night | Event: Leader Night | Event: Leader Night | | | | | | Date: 21st at 6:30pm | Date: 18th at 6:30pm | Date: 18th at 6:30pm | | | | | | Invited: Staff, | Invited: Staff, | Invited: Staff, | | Directors, | Directors, | Directors, | | Coordinators, Team | Coordinators, Team | Coordinators, Team | | Leaders | Leaders | Leaders | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | April 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 | | | | | | Event: Leader Night | Event: Team Night | Event: Leader Night | | | | | | Date: 15th at 6:30pm | Date: 20th at 6:30pm | Date: 17th at at | | | | 6:30pm | | Invited: Staff, | Invited: Staff, | | | Directors, | Directors, | Invited: Staff, | | Coordinators, Team | Coordinators, Team | Directors, | | Leaders | Leaders, Dream | Coordinators, Team | | | Teamers | Leaders | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | July 2025 | August 2025 | September 2025 | | | | | | Event: Leader Night | Event: Community | Event: Community | | | Night | Night | | Date: 15th at 6:30pm | | | | | Date: 19th at 6:30pm | Date: 16th at 6:30pm | | Invited: Staff, | | | | Directors, | Invited: Staff, | Invited: Staff, | | Coordinators, Team | Directors, | Directors, | | Leaders | Coordinators, Team | Coordinators, Team | | | Leaders | Leaders | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | October 2025 | November 2025 | December 2025 | | | | | | Event: Community | Event: DreamFest | No Event | | Night | | | | | Date: 18th at 7pm | | | Date: 21st at 6:30pm | | | | | Invited: Staff, | | | Invited: Staff, | Directors, | | | Directors, | Coordinators, Team | | | Coordinators, Team | Leaders, Dream | | | Leaders | Teamers | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+

Journey Platform Honor Code

Because leadership is a highly influential piece of the spiritual formation of our church, we are held to a higher standard of wholeness and spiritual health.

Since we are given the responsibility to lead others, we have the same weight and the responsibility to lead ourselves well. Every position of platform at Journey is handled with reverence toward the weight of our spiritual, physical, and emotional health.

Journey Church has implemented the Honor Code as a tool in building a healthy Church. Our conduct should never be an embarrassment to Christ, but should exemplify the best qualities of a mature believer and servant-leader.

I will be fully committed to the following:

A Healthy Spiritual Walk

I am committed to growing daily with the Lord by living a life of prayer, reading the word, and regularly seeking community and accountability. I will make this my first priority. On the platform, I will never pour out from a cup that is empty.

Being Punctual

I will make sure to plan and prepare to arrive to call times 10 mins early. Being on time communicates that I am committed to this team and that I value everyone else’s toime.

Timely Communication

I understand this team is an active team that involves my best communication, reception, and feedback with those that I serve with and those that are leading me. If I am running late for a service, I will communicate to my leader as soon as possible.
I commit to replying to personal messages from my leader within 48 hours. I also commit to staying updated with the most recent announcements and updates from the team.

Attending or Leading a Small Group

I will attend or lead a small group during the fall and spring small group semesters. I understand that we are not just a church with small groups but OF small groups. Small groups help my spiritual walk.

Staying away from sexual misconduct

I am committed to live above reproach and to withstand from sexual sin. If I am struggling in any area, I will communicate to my leader and be transparent. I understand that we all fall short and that my leaders are here to help me and not judge. Sexual misconduct includes: Sexual intercourse outside of marriage, Sexual messages through text, DM’s, social media, dating apps, ect.

Refraining from gossip

Gossip is engaging in negative observations, conversations, or interrogations, about another leader, staff member or ministry without that staff member or ministry leader present.

I will refrain from participation in gossip, murmuring, and complaining about church leaders and policies.

I will address my concerns to the appropriate leaders in a civil and Christ-like manner.

Don’t make a private disagreement public. No church gets 100% agreement on every decision. But once that decision has been made, we expect our leaders to get in step with it publicly. Constructive criticism and feedback is highly recommended by your leaders and should be made privately and to the appropriate personnel.
I understand that the biblical model for confrontation is to directly confront your brother or sister (Matthew 18:15).

I will not ask another team member to represent my opinions on my behalf. This includes disagreements, suggestions, complaints, or advice.

Representing Christ well online

We expect our Platform Leaders to embody our church’s mission while online: To Make Jesus Accessible to Anyone.

Think like Jesus. Our posts should be consistent with biblical truth. We must be clear that Jesus is the only path to salvation. We don’t tear down other Christians even when we disagree with them.

Be like Jesus. These character traits should be evident in our every post: patience, joy, peace, love, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness, humility, and kindness. And yes, it’s more work to translate those qualities to social media.

We expect our leaders’ behavior to be above reproach. If you’re doing something that looks questionable, don’t post it! Online, there is no context for the drink in your hand or the person you are photographed with. On social media, perception is reality; it matters how your post will be perceived.

Be modest. If you are intending your post to show off your body outside of the context of an active recreational setting, you are probably better off not making the post. Even then, whether you're at the gym or the beach, celebrate your blessings modestly.

The social media accounts of any platform or leadership personnel have the potential to directly negatively affect the public relations standings of Journey Church. Because of this, you agree that your leader reserves the right to request any media to be taken down if deemed inappropriate or offensive to the community that we serve.

Be wise with your influence. God has placed you in a position of leadership because you have gifts and talents that make a difference. The world is aware of that and is watching you. Be smart about what you post.

Honoring God

When we live a life of integrity. Patterned after the life of Christ, we honor God. As Christians, we are adopted as sons and daughters in God's House. As the Dream Team, we are appointed as leaders in God's House.

1 Peter 2:12 (NIV) - "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

Exemplifying the highest moral commitment, Journey's leaders are to maintain a disciplined life of Bible reading, prayer, and fasting.

By providing an example in speech and action, we encourage others to grow in Christ and become servants-leaders themselves. This is a way of life measured by the heart and commitment of each leader in the Journey Church family. We should regard it as an essential part of our development, not as an imposition or restriction.

We honor God by …

• Refraining from such things as…
  • Excessive Profanity
  • Indulging in too much wine or other alcoholic beverages
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Dishonest gain
  • Illegal drugs
  • Pornography
  • All behaviors which might cause Christ to grieve and others to stumble
• Receiving water baptism
  John 3:5 (NLT) - "Jesus replied, I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.'"
• Participating in communion
  1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV) - "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
• Supporting Biblical marriage
  Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV) - "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.
• Faithfully Tithing
  Matthew 6:21 (NLT) - "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
• Honoring the leadership of the church
  Hebrews 13:17 - "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy. not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
• Honoring His people
  Romans 14:19 (PH) - "So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.
• Honoring His House
  Honor the way God directs us to build His House. In 1 Timothy, Paul provides a description of the character that is to be exhibited in Church leaders. Not perfection - character. And he instructs us to give a "close examination" of people before we appoint them as leaders.

As Christians, the way we present ourselves to others is of vital importance to the way others perceive Christ. Our conduct should never be an embarrassment to Christ, but should exemplify the best qualities of a mature believer and servant-leader.