Name: Chris Bowditch

Title: Rector

Organisation: Lindisfarne Anglican Church

Chris has been the Rector at Lindisfarne Anglican since April 2017. Under God he has seen the church revitalise and grow as we've explored what it means for us to be a church for our community, making disciples of Jesus. Chris is married to his wife of 10+ years, Ellisa, and is the father of two beautiful daughters.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Chris's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Firstly, balancing the complex demands of being a disciple, husband, father, and leader. Secondly leading through change that brings conflict.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

To cut a long story short, as a youth/young adult I was constantly complaining about how things could be better. One day my Pastor threw me the keys to the youth group and said alright then you run it.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Every day is different depending on the demands. However once I arrive in my office the first thing I like to do is open my Bible software, read through my plan, pray through my prayer list and then crack on with the day. I usually try to be home as much as possible in the afternoon when my kids get home from school as some days I have limited time with them in the evening due to ministry commitments.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Sometimes I think it's easy to know what to do, the hard thing is doing it.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

It's hard to pick one, however Ordering Your Private World by Gordon McDonald was profound. Godly character matters more than talent.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Work on your character over your competency.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

As a Christian pastor, the most meaningful stories are those of individuals I've helped take a step closer to Jesus. When I finished in my previous role a young man came up to me with tears in his eyes and said if it hadn't been for my leadership he would've walked away from faith. Another was from a 78 year old lady who had been going to church all her life but who I helped learn how to pray in a group outloud. The other stuff, like growth in numbers or finances is good too, but so secondary to the individual lives God has transformed.