Leadership Flinch
Mark Sayer’s book, A Non-Anxious Presence, [1] is simply brilliant. Has there ever been a more applicable book that speaks to the zeitgeist of a time? 1 Chronicles 12:32 speaks of the men of Issachar who understood the times and knew what to do. Sayers would fit well into the description of those men. Sayers is an Australian author, speaker, and pastor known for his work in Christian leadership, cultural analysis, and the intersection of faith and contemporary society. As the senior leader of Red Church in Melbourne, His pastoral approach to leadership and global cultural shifts and how Christian leaders can navigate complex and anxious times with resilience is both caring and insightful. Sayers’s style of authorship, with helpful summaries at the end of each chapter, was captivating and compelling. Any thought leader must make this book compulsory text. I recommend it everywhere I go.
The author’s liberal use of Edwin Friedman brings credibility to Sayers’s writings, and while sceptics of the book may cite an over-reliance on Friedman, there is no doubt that the overly liberal use of Friedman underscores the depth of research that has gone into the topic, at the very least by Friedman himself.
The simple but not simplistic clarity behind the gray zone brings an articulation of words that enable thought leaders to describe the times in which we live. The elaboration of how strongholds are created during the gray zone brings wonderful clarity as to why the gray zone is complex. Sayers writes, “Strongholds form when humans seek out or build a protective structure to find security, safety, and prosperity in a threatening, chaotic, and unpredictable environment.”[2] He adds strongholds are humanity’s oldest antidote to anxiety.”[3] In suggesting that “An era is a period in which a stronghold in the form of a state, kingdom, corporation, or organisation maintains dominance over a system, projecting its power and control outward,”[4] I wonder if this describes why great church movements come and go? Sadly, the world has seen the demise of some very high-profile churches and ministries over recent years. The inability to navigate the gray zones effectively, coupled with Sayers’ defining thought that “The fundamental structure in the world is no longer central institutions but networks”[5] suggests that denominational hierarchical ecclesia is being replaced with more fluid church networks. As the author further elaborates, alluding to times when “Centralization is replaced by Decentralization”[6] in history, there truly is “nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
That “there are no side-lines in the culture war”[7] may suggest why Friedmans’ “herd instinct”[8] occurs during the gray zone. Whether it be the rise of “Me too”, “BLM”, or “From the river to the sea”, the complexity associated with herd instinct and viral anxiety is a major problem for leaders. Sayers admits that “Those preaching and communicating can find themselves outmanoeuvred by one or many competing factions,”[9] which undoubtedly has led to global anxiety among church leaders. Historically, leaders’ anxiety has been limited to geographical areas. Uprisings and social and ideological clashes have been limited to specific areas of the planet. The 20th century saw moments of global anxiety, whether world wars or escalation of the threat of world powers and nuclear weapons. Now, however, the anxiety is indeed global, largely because of media, specifically social media, and it is unrelenting.
Personally, the most accurate description of the gray zone is identified in the book through Friedman’s words. He says, “In a chronically anxious system…the more aggressive members are in a perpetually argumentative stance, and the more passive are in a state of flinch.”[10] The term “flinch” stands out as a perfect descriptor of leadership in the gray zone. However, while Friedman appears to restrict that terminology to the more passive leader, I would argue that flinch appears to become the natural default to many leaders facing the inevitable challenges associated with leadership. Emails, texts, and phone calls can illicit an internal flinch. A readiness to defend, parry and even thrust. Sayers accurately describes this by stating, “Conflict and retreat become nearly impossible to gain any distance from an issue; reaction, hurt, and high emotions replace contemplation and thoughtfulness. Reflection is replaced by reactivity.”[11] So what should a leader do to stay sane in the gray zone, one earmarked with flinch?
In many ways, “A Non-Anxious Presence” is an interlude in the middle of Friedman’s book, “A Failure of Nerve,” in which Friedman articulates how leaders can push through backlash, sabotage, betrayal from friends and colleagues, criticism and emotional pain, and keep growing towards the higher vision in a non-anxious way.
However, a summary of Sayer’s thoughts is helpful. He suggests:
- Embracing the discomfort and understanding that discomfort can lead to growth is crucial.
- Cultivating a resilient mindset that can withstand the challenges and disruptions of transitional times.
- Remaining calm and grounded during chaos. A non-anxious presence provides stability & clarity, helping individuals & churches navigate through the gray zone.
- Engaging in practices that deepen your spiritual life and connection with God.
- Strengthening relationships and supportive communities, which, in times of uncertainty, can provide emotional and practical support.
- Choosing to view the gray zone as a time of opportunity for innovation and growth.
- Maintaining a strong anchoring to your core values and beliefs.
While a leader cannot accelerate out of the global gray zone, they can work on becoming a “well-differentiated leader,” [12] thereby overcoming the tendency to “flinch” in leadership. This helps them bring the peace of God into a world filled with anxiety. As Sayers emphasises, “We can only be a non-anxious presence with God’s presence.”[13] Leaders must reject leadership flinch at all costs or risk retreating from the front line of leadership, which is interfacing with people.
[1] Sayers, Mark. 2022. A Non-Anxious Presence: How a Changing and Complex World Will Create a Remnant of Renewed Christian Leaders. Chicago: Moody Publishers.
[2] Ibid, 60.
[3] Ibid, 59.
[4] Ibid, 63.
[5] Ibid, 76.
[6] Ibid, 82.
[7] Ibid, 92.
[8] Friedman, Edwin H., and Peter Steinke. 2017. A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix. 10th Anniversary edition. New York: Church Publishing. 59
[9] Ibid, 96,
[10] Ibid, 98.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Friedman, 15.
[13] Sayers, 154.
About the Author
Glyn Barrett
I am the founding, Lead Pastor of !Audacious Church in Manchester, England. I was born in Manchester, but moved to Australia at the age of two. My wife and I were married in Australia and began married and ministry life in England 28 years ago. After serving as youth pastors for 12 years, we moved to Manchester to pioneer !Audacious Church. As a church we now have 7 locations. 3 in Manchester, Chester, Cardiff (Wales), Sheffield, and Geneva (Switzerland). In 2019 I became the National Leader of Assemblies of God in Great Britain. We have over 600 churches in our movement and have planted 88 new churches since May 2022 with a goal of planting 400 new churches between May 2022 and May 2028. I am the European Lead for MM33, which is the church planting ministry for Assemblies of God Global and also chair Empowered21 Europe. I'm happily married to Sophia, with two children, one dog and two motorbikes. I love Golf, coffee and spending time with friends. I love to laugh, make friends and create memories!12 responses to “Leadership Flinch”
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Glyn,
I just bought the book based on your recommendation. I will hold you accountable for the $12 I just spent if it isn’t worth it.
Have you found that since reading Friedman, you have developed more of a non-anxious presence in your leadership? If so, do you have an example?
Hi Adam,
This will be the best $12 you’ve spent this year! 😊 Choosing to embody a non-anxious presence is a continuous journey, especially for those of us who are naturally extroverted and expressive. I’m becoming much more aware of when I need to stay grounded, especially in moments charged with emotion, drama, or anxiety.
Practically speaking, I’ve learned to consciously pause, take a deep breath, and be fully present. Slowing my heart rate with deep breaths and taking a moment before reacting has been invaluable in helping me lead with a calm, steady presence.
Hi Glyn, I just added this book to my book list. Thanks for the recommendation. I really liked Freidman and enjoy going back and referencing “A Failure of Nerve.” Based off of your review, I think I will like Sayer’s perspective.
You mention above the global aspect of anxiety in society. How have you experienced that in your global travels?
Hi Kari, yes, absolutely. Earlier this year, I travelled from our national conference in Great Britain to speak at a church denomination in South Africa. I was speaking to the national president of the denomination whilst eavesdropping on another conversation happening next to me at the table. It was as if those in South Africa had been eavesdropping on our specific challenge in the United Kingdom. The terminology was exactly the same, and the anxiety that the conversation engendered in each of them was palpable.
During a pause in the conversation, I turned to them and asked them about the situation they were facing. It was indeed exactly the same as us.
I have travelled overseas 10 days a month for the past 20 years. Where issues historically seem to be more isolated based on geography, globalisation of anxiety is now familiar in many nations that I travelled to.
Glyn,
You state “Emails, texts, and phone calls can illicit an internal flinch. A readiness to defend, parry and even thrust. Sayers accurately describes this by stating, ‘Conflict and retreat become nearly impossible to gain any distance from an issue; reaction, hurt, and high emotions replace contemplation and thoughtfulness.’ Do you emphasize pastors taking a sabbath from the media? Such as not even touching their electron devices for part or all of a day as a way to retreat from texts and emails for a while?
Hi Jeff, while I don’t emphasise our pastors taking a Sabbath from digital devices, I do see the sense in doing so in order to increase rest.
There is no doubt that when our pastors go on vacation and have their days off, we attempt not to take mobile devices with us. It becomes difficult, however, because so much of the world now operates through smartphone devices.
Recently I had a sabbatical for three months I only took a burner phone and disconnected all of my social media for three months. It was a dream come true.
I’ll have to check this book out. I appreciate what you shared about the challenge of the grey zone. As well, the comments about centralized institutions being replaced by networks. How do you navigate those grey zones? What are the implications for denoms if there is a move toward networks?
Hi Graham, I believe recognising the existence of gray areas is a crucial step in navigating them. Often, we tend to put our heads down and push forward, but simply acknowledging the challenges can make a significant difference, helping to prepare our minds for the changes that might be needed.
I feel that denominations should aim to evolve into movements rather than being static religious groupings weighed down by denominational politics and bureaucracy. I prefer the term “movement” over “denomination” because it implies progress and active engagement.
Glyn, I thoroughly enjoyed this and am sending him an email asking that you become his publicist amidst the plethora of work you have going on! Sayers mentions, “Those preaching and communicating can find themselves outmanoeuvred by one or many competing factions.” I wonder, as the chief shepherd, how I can guard against these competing factions in the UK, as I know we have many similarities in the U.S.
Hi Daren, thanks for your question on the blog! I’ll make sure you get a commission on all sales through the publicity department 🤣.
Several areas come to mind in response to your question. First, the doctoral program is an excellent foundation for staying informed on relevant issues. Additionally, keeping up with national media and current events in the UK would be highly beneficial. Often, international speakers come to speak without awareness of culturally sensitive news items, which can lead to misunderstandings. It’s also crucial to have the right people around you—wise advisors who can provide input when needed. Lastly, a strong commitment to prayer and scripture is essential.
Glyn, I appreciate how you engage with Sayers’ insights on navigating the gray zone. You mentioned that one strategy for leaders to effectively manage this gray zone is by embracing discomfort and recognizing that discomfort can lead to growth, which is essential. How do you suggest leaders can practically embrace this discomfort? Do you have any examples from your own leadership experience?
Hi Chad (City fan). I believe that our modern worldview has influenced aspects of our theology, including the Apostle Paul’s teachings on suffering. We often equate being blessed with being free of problems, but the Bible actually teaches the opposite of this popular notion. Embracing a perspective of suffering as part of our worldview, rather than seeing it as an exception, could help us establish a healthier baseline.
As for my own experiences, I have many. Whether it was leading through the challenges of COVID-19, the BLM movement, or the complexities of identity politics, the reality is that we live in a changed—or at least a “gray”—world. This new landscape calls for wisdom, further study, and the support of wise counsel to navigate effectively.