The Leadership Blog Interview: Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy

Bio: In 2002, Nelson Searcy started The Journey Church of the City in New York, NY. The congregation has grown from a handful of people to over 1100 in four Sunday worship services and over 1200 in 95 small groups. The Journey is an innovative, multicultural church in the heart of Manhattan. An experienced strategist, coach and speaker, Nelson serves as a regular consultant to churches across America. He is the author of over 20 articles and 30 training resources on leadership, evangelism, church planting and church growth. In response to the growing requests from church leaders, Nelson founded http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/ to provide resources, training seminars and coaching for church leaders. Before coming to NYC, he served as the Director of The Purpose Driven Community at Saddleback Church.

The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Nelson: “True life change. Nothing brings me as much joy as seeing people step away from their comfort zones, move forward in faith and really begin living out their relationship with God.”

2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Nelson: “My biggest pet peeve is a counterpoint of my greatest joy… It’s the frustration of working with people who say they are going to take initiative in following God and then fail to act on that commitment.”

3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Nelson: "Three men have had great influence on me – Rick Warren, Steve Stroope and Milton Hollifield. Serving alongside Rick, at Saddleback, influenced me in ways I’m still discovering. He taught me to pursue great vision, with a humble heart. Steve Stroope’s mentorship has had a significant impact on my leadership style. And, when I was just starting out, Milton Hollifield (NC Baptist State Convention Executive Director) took a risk on me as a young leader, setting me on the path I’m still walking today.”

4. What books have changed your life?
Nelson: “Before I became a believer, Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power Of Positive Thinking gave me a new view of personal responsibility and self-esteem. Later, God used Billy Graham’s Peace With God to bring me to faith in Christ. As a Christian Leader, The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren and Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge by Warren G. Bennis and Burt Nanus have been a couple of my guideposts.”

5. What's your biggest challenge as a leader?
Nelson: “I am constantly reminding myself of the magnitude of God’s vision, because my biggest challenge is falling into the trap of thinking that my vision is significant when God’s is infinitely larger. I push myself to grow continuously and dream God-sized dreams.”

6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Nelson: “My goals are simple - To love God, love my wife and son, and not mess up too badly!”

7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Nelson: “In ten years, I’ll be right here in Manhattan, having fun and still working hard to fulfill the task God has put on my heart. That is, to give the people of New York City the best opportunity to become fully developing followers of Jesus.”

Thanks Nelson! You've made an impact on me, I've been following you since the days of smartleadership.com. Keep it up!