Role of the Leadership Team
Most InterVarsity chapters have at least two levels or circles of leadership. The primary circle of leaders is usually called the Executive Committee or Exec (in some groups, the Officers, the Leadership Team, etc.). In this chapter, I will use the term Exec when referring to this primary committee or team. In addition to the Exec, many chapters have a second circle of leadership comprised of leaders who do not sit on the Exec. The Small Group Leaders, SGLs, comprise a third circle of significant leaders. While the Exec tends to carry foremost responsibility, all three of these circles combined make up the Chapter Leadership Team.
What is the role of the Chapter Leadership Team, especially the Exec? The answer is succinctly summarized in three broad functions that capture the essence of leadership: envisioning, enabling, enlisting.
In response to God’s leading, the Chapter Leadership Team envisions what the fellowship could be and do on campus. The Exec leads the way in seeking God’s direction, embracing the IVCF vision, developing the shape of that vision for their chapter and campus, communicating this to the fellowship, embodying this vision by personal example, and periodically renewing the vision in the face of difficulties or discouragement. Leaders must envision.
Second, the Leadership Team enables the chapter to pursue and accomplish its vision. Where envisioning involves the big picture and the broad goals, enabling involves planning, strategy, and organization. The Exec leads the way in outlining priorities, setting specific goals, formulating strategies to reach the goals, laying out a timetable, and developing organization and structure for the fellowship. In addition, the Exec tries to solve problems and overcome obstacles that undermine the group’s progress. In these ways, the leaders serve the chapter. Leaders must enable.
Third, the Leadership Team enlists each chapter member to participate in and help pursue the vision and strategy. The Exec leads the way in: inspiring widespread involvement, fostering a sense of ownership (“our chapter”), delegating responsibilities to as many students as possible, equipping/training people for their tasks, supporting each one in light of his/her needs, and encouraging folks at every turn. This function of enlisting is crucial to the concept of servant leadership: leaders are to minister as well as mobilize, members are to receive as well as achieve. Leaders must enlist.
Whether a specific task or the overall group is in view, the role of chapter leaders is to determine what are we seeking to do, devise how are we going to do it, and designate who is going to do it. And then do it!