The Executive Pastor: More Than a Task Manager

Sep 23

As an Executive Pastor (XP), I often referred to myself as the “etcetera pastor.” It wasn’t far from the truth—there are so many facets to the role, and they can vary dramatically from church to church. Some days, you’re managing budgets; other days, you’re counseling staff or handling logistical issues. Yet, amidst all the varied responsibilities, one key aspect of the role often gets overlooked: shepherding. At its core, the Executive Pastor’s role is not just about managing tasks but leading people, both spiritually and practically.

In many churches, the Executive Pastor is seen primarily as an administrator. While the XP certainly handles many of the logistical and operational aspects of the church, this is just one part of the role. The more significant responsibility is to shepherd—not just the congregation, but also the church staff. As an XP, it’s easy to get caught up in daily tasks and forget that, at its heart, ministry is about people. So, what makes an effective Executive Pastor? Let’s explore some of the key traits and responsibilities that go beyond the job description.

1. Thriving as a Follower of Jesus

I hope that this is obvious, but I feel it must be said – one of the most essential qualities of an Executive Pastor is the ability to thrive as a follower of Jesus, beyond just the title or job responsibilities. You can’t lead others spiritually if your own spiritual life is on autopilot. Too often, leaders in ministry get consumed by the demands of their role, neglecting their own walk with Christ. But to truly lead others well, especially other leaders and staff, an XP must be rooted in their identity as a follower of Jesus, not just in their identity as a pastor or leader.

This means prioritizing time with God, staying grounded in Scripture, and continually growing in faith. When an XP is thriving spiritually, they bring depth and authenticity to their leadership. You can’t lead with what you don’t have, and as a shepherd to other shepherds, this is especially crucial. Staff members look to the XP not just for guidance on projects and tasks, but for spiritual leadership.

2. Shepherding the Shepherds

One of the most unique aspects of the Executive Pastor role is that you are not just shepherding the congregation—you’re also shepherding the church’s staff and leadership. As the XP, you are often in a position to care for and guide other pastors, ministry leaders, and staff members. This requires a deep commitment to the people you work with, understanding their personal struggles, supporting their growth, and fostering an environment where they can thrive both professionally and spiritually.

Caring for the staff isn’t just about offering professional development; it’s about offering pastoral care. Staff members need to feel valued and supported, not just as employees but as individuals and spiritual leaders themselves. When the staff is spiritually healthy and unified, the entire church benefits.

3. Bridging the Gap Between Ministry and Operations

Many people see ministry and operations as separate—sometimes even opposing—sides of church leadership. However, the Executive Pastor must bridge this gap, recognizing that ministry and operations are not enemies, but friends. Effective church leadership requires a balance of both. While the lead pastor may focus more on the spiritual vision and teaching, the XP helps translate that vision into practical execution.

This means understanding the operational needs of the church—budgets, staff management, scheduling, and logistics—while keeping the ministry goals front and center. A good XP knows that operations should always serve the mission of the church, not the other way around. When done well, the operational side of church leadership can actually enhance the church’s ministry, making it more effective and sustainable.

4. Translating Vision to Execution

One of the most critical roles of the Executive Pastor is to understand the lead pastor’s vision for the church and help bring it to life. The XP is often the person who translates big-picture ideas into actionable plans. This requires not only strong organizational skills but also the ability to rally people around a common goal.

An XP must be an excellent communicator, ensuring that everyone from the staff to the congregation understands the church’s vision and their role in achieving it. It’s about building buy-in and creating a culture where the vision isn’t just something that lives in meetings, but something that shapes the day-to-day life of the church.

Final Thoughts

The role of the Executive Pastor is far more than managing tasks—it’s about leading people, both spiritually and operationally. A thriving XP is someone who is rooted in their faith, capable of shepherding the church staff, and skilled at bridging the gap between ministry and operations. Most importantly, they are vision carriers, ensuring that the church’s mission moves from ideas into action. By balancing these responsibilities with a shepherd’s heart, an Executive Pastor can lead their church toward greater impact and health, both internally and in the broader community.

Brad Daugherty

Brad serves as the COO of Replicate Ministries, a coaching and consulting organization with a mission to empower churches to activate their unique disciple-making movement. Prior to Replicate, he has held various roles within the church, from Worship Pastor to Executive Pastor, and loves serving the local church by helping pastors and leaders discover ways to do ministry differently. Brad has coached and consulted leaders from both large and small churches, equipping them to grow sustainably through discipleship tools and strategies. Brad Lives in East Texas with his wife Stephanie, and four kids, James, Henry, Eleanor, and Andrew. He loves serving at his local church, New Beginnings, where he is on the worship team, and serves on the lead team in an advisory role.