Speaking at the first Intentional Leadership Series event of 2025, Buddy Champion told participants that each of the three churches he served in Alabama was “true to the calling of God in his life,” despite one being rural, another downtown and another suburban.
“Every church has its own personality and culture, and wise leaders respond to this culture in appropriate ways,” Champion, pastor of First Baptist Church Trussville, said. “Our supreme example is Christ, the Good Shepherd, who cares for his sheep. We must love the people first — protect and nourish them — and then they will follow us.”
Theme of the event was the minister as “pathfinder” who leads and casts vision.
“The pastor-shepherd has four major jobs,” Champion told participants. “[He] provides, protects, guides and corrects, as needed.”
Hiring up
Though many Alabama Baptist churches are single-staff, others have a larger leadership presence.
“I always want to ‘hire up,” Champion said of hiring new staff. “I want people who do things better than I do. I want to be an example in working hard, and I want my staff to be above average. Average is the minimum and I think we all need to be above average in God’s work.
“Let your staff lead and recognize them publicly for their good work,” Champion encouraged. “If they are ‘franchised’ and interviewed for positions in other churches, help them recognize and do God’s will, and rejoice that God let you be part of their growth in ministry skills.”
Mentors
Champion acknowledged mentors in his life, including Charles Carter who befriended him during his ministry in Dallas County.
“Others helped me and showed me this is what we all must do,” Champion said. “We pour our lives into others.”
The pastor must learn to listen and “hold” his personal opinion in times of change, Champion asserted, though he said he prefers the term “transition.”
“Change can be seen as a threat,” he admitted. “I think it’s better to slow down and take the time we need to build consensus. Remember, it takes an oil tanker 14 miles to turn around!
“Ask questions, take notes and capture common themes. After a time, it will become apparent how God is leading the church. We wait on God and seek His perfect timing, and this is so much better than the shepherd ‘driving the sheep.’”
‘Never let up’
Champion noted the work of ministry can be difficult, and sometimes the pastor gets discouraged and tired.
“But we can never let up,” Champion declared. “We can never lose our vision. The shepherd must lead the sheep.
“Above all, we recognize the church belongs to the Lord. Never say ‘I’ or ‘my.’ The church, its ministry, its staff and its people belong to the Lord. We are ultimately accountable to Him.”
For more information on the Intentional Leader Series, contact Bryan Blass, director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions office of LeaderCare, at leadercareal.org or 334-613-2210.
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