By Bobbi-Sue Menard

KELOWNA’S Trinity Baptist Church is in the midst of a transition process toward a new leadership model, which will see significant changes to the senior pastor role within the church.  

While the debate in evangelical circles continues around the concept of senior pastor as CEO, Trinity Baptist has decided to divide the roles of primary speaker and senior pastor-leader – thus creating an intense partnership at the helm of the congregation.  

The discussion of a new model of senior leadership was first broached with the board of elders at Trinity Baptist by current senior pastor Tim Schroeder.  

Founded in 1961 with 70 members, Trinity Baptist Church currently has more than 1,300 members, and a regular weekend attendance of over 2,400 between three services.  

Schroeder has been senior pastor for the past 30 years, and during that time has held the primary speaking duties and leadership responsibilities.  

The model of leadership Trinity Baptist has chosen will retain the skills and gifting of Schroeder as the primary speaker from the pulpit, but will bring in a new senior pastor to lead the church.  

This unique approach of intimate teamwork at the top of the church was developed after a long process of discussion and searching for the right person to create a sum bigger than the parts of the equation.  

Scott Cochrane is the current executive pastor at Trinity, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the church. He has had a clear view of the discussions and work of the board of elders.

“This first started with Tim at a place in his life where he wanted to focus on his greatest passion, teaching,” he told BCCN. “The first question that came up was, ‘Is there someone out there who could lead our church in such a way?’”

The list of possible candidates was winnowed by the criteria for the position: someone with a proven church leadership track record; and a person with the integrity to form a real partnership in a novel role.

The search quickly led to Wayne Alguire –  ­ who, since 2002, has been the pastor at the McHenry County campus of Chicago’s renowned Willow Creek Community Church.

What followed was a period of intense discussion between Alguire and the lay leadership and staff at Trinity Baptist, and a concurrent strengthening of friendship between Alguire and Schroeder.  

After extended exploration and prayer, the decision was made to move forward. Alguire will take on the senior pastor role beginning in January, while Schroeder will shift his focus to teaching.

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Changing of the guard at Trinity Baptist Church. Tim Schroder (left) and Wayne Alguire.

Alguire refers to the biblical principles of spiritual gifts outlined in Romans 12 and          1 Corinthians 12, as underpinning the decision process in moving to Trinity Baptist.

“It is our belief that a new configuration  –  that honours these biblical principles, operates under the wisdom and guidance of the elders, and [has] the strong endorsement of the congregational membership – can work.  

“There is more we can do together for the kingdom, than we can do apart.  Plus, the complexity of ‘one person’ doing it all for a large, growing faith community is – in my opinion – both unwise and undoable today.”

While Alguire prepares to step into the senior role, Schroeder is preparing to adjust within a church he has led for three decades – relinquishing large areas of responsibility, and the title of senior pastor.

“As we had it,” he said, “the senior pastor role was a limiting factor for our church.  It was keeping me from what I do best.”

Working from the understanding that calling and gifting are closely linked, Schroeder is looking forward to working within his spiritual ‘sweet spot’ in ministry.

“This doesn’t mean there isn’t a high level of risk to what we are doing,” he said. “On paper, this idea doesn’t have much going for it.  What we have are hearts that are prepared to work on this team . . . Can Wayne and I become like brothers?”  

Their personal relationship is at the heart of the unique partnership Trinity Baptist is embracing for its leadership.  Both Schroeder and Alguire repeat the word ‘trust’ over and over in interviews, with good reason.  

Schroeder acknowledges he will have to submit his agenda to Alguire’s leadership –  while retaining the pulpit, the primary place of congregational influence.  

Alguire is looking to establish leadership through aligning with the current vision, mission and values of the congregation, and to build upon them as the church moves forward, rather than bringing change too suddenly or without due diligence.

Ideally, the trust and strength between the two leaders and their church will be seen in the community.

“The primary measure is: ‘Does the church flourish?’” explained Schroeder. “What kind of impact is the church having on the community around it?”

November 2007