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

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 Working Genius assessment tool C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves Luke 22 (Jesus' teaching on servant leadership) Connect With Us Instagram: @loam.fm Tonetta Landis on Instagram: @TonettaLandis Anthony Parrott online: @PastorParrott Submit feedback and questions: [email protected]