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006: Power With, Not Power Over: The Co-Pastoring Journey

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Description

Subtitle: I Set Up a Mic This Morning, the Lord Be Praised

Episode Overview

In this episode, Anthony Parrott and Tonetta Landis discuss the concept of co-pastoring - sharing pastoral leadership equally rather than following traditional hierarchical church leadership models. They explore what drew them to this model, what makes their partnership work, practical aspects of implementing co-pastoring, and whether this approach is suitable for all church contexts.

Key Points

  • Origins of their co-pastoring relationship: How Anthony and Tonetta came to work together and why they chose equal partnership rather than a lead/associate model
  • Biblical foundations: Examining how leadership in scripture often involves partnerships rather than solo leaders (Moses/Aaron/Miriam, David/Nathan, Elijah/Elisha)
  • Making co-pastoring work: The importance of trust, complementary skills, shared values, and mutual respect
  • Practical implementation: Division of responsibilities, keeping "short accounts," and ensuring the congregation understands the co-pastor relationship
  • Challenging traditional power structures: Discussion of how co-pastoring can be a theological response to hierarchical leadership models
  • Benefits and challenges: How sharing leadership addresses burnout while acknowledging the costs and complexities

Notable Quotes

  • "I don't want to be a king. I don't feel like that's the Christian way." - Tonetta
  • "I'm not trying to flip the system so that now my boot is on your neck." - Tonetta
  • "There's no such thing as a self-sent, self-anointed, self-appointed leader." - Anthony
  • "Accountability should come out of a relationship of grace and trust. And so often accountability starts with suspicion." - Anthony
  • "The kings of the Gentiles lorded over them, and those in authority are called benefactors, but Jesus says, 'but not so with you.'"
  • "Keeping short accounts" - Tonetta on addressing issues promptly
  • "Both people have to have a particular sensitivity to the intersections that the other person brings and have done some work around that." - Tonetta

Resources Mentioned

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