Discussion Questions:
1. What does Mandy Smith mean when she says “limitation is a ministry resource,” and how does this perspective challenge traditional views of pastoral leadership?
2. Tod Bolsinger mentions taking notes anytime Mandy Smith speaks due to her wisdom. Can you recall a piece of advice or insight from a mentor or leader that you always remember to apply in your leadership role?
3. The conversation touches on the idea that pastors must remember they are not God. In what ways can this realization be liberating for someone in a leadership position?
4. Reflecting on Bolsinger’s comment, “our limitations remind us that there’s a God and you are not God,” how can leaders incorporate this acknowledgment into their daily leadership practices?
5. Leadership often comes with the pressure to exceed human limitations. Can you share an experience where embracing your limitations resulted in a positive outcome for you or your team?
6. Discuss times when leaders may fall into the trap of believing they are responsible for everything, as mentioned by Tod Bolsinger. How does this belief affect not only the leaders themselves but also their teams and organizations?
7. Vulnerability was brought up in relation to limitations. How can vulnerability be seen as a strength rather than a weakness in leadership?
8. What are some practical steps leaders can take to set healthy boundaries and avoid burnout, as Tod Bolsinger suggests is necessary when facing one’s own limitations?
9. Tod argues that leaders are at their best when they are honest about their humanity and administer out of that limitation. Discuss scenarios where this authenticity in leadership has been successful or where a lack of it has been detrimental.
10. The importance of dependence on God is highlighted in the conversation. As a leader, how do you balance taking initiative with acknowledging your dependence on a higher power, and how does this balance manifest in your decision-making process?
