Founder's Syndrome and Leadership Transitions in Place-Based, Parachurch Ministries

“How can local leaders and far-flung allies combat "founder's syndrome" in place-based ministries born from deep-rooted, personal passion? ”

Team Members/Contributors

John W. Fanestil Via International Contact Me

About this pastoral study project

The Border Church / La Iglesia Fronteriza is a nonsectarian Christian ministry born from my practice of celebrating the sacrament of communion at Friendship Park, the historic binational meeting place overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the westernmost end of the US-Mexico border. Centered in our practice of making an “open table” out of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, this unique sacramental community has galvanized an expansive network of allies, both lay and clergy, from across denominations and religious traditions. In this it has much in common with other "parachurch" organizations like homeless shelters, soup kitchens and campus ministries.

Across the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, this network has been strengthened by virtual engagements like Spanish language classes, learning opportunities, worship services and “pilgrimages.” These engagements have thickened the network of support, promoting intimate and personal relationships between allies in far-removed locations and local leaders from the Border Church community.

The Border Church now faces a momentous leadership transition as I prepare for my retirement. How can local leaders work with this network of far flung allies to facilitate a seminal leadership transition in such a distinctly place-based ministry? I propose to answer this question by taking the needed time for retreat, prayer and writing toward the following ends: 1) identify analogous models of place-based, para-church ministries; 2) place these models in their historical, sociological and ecclesiological context; 3) compare notes with others who have navigated similar transitions; 4) describe successful models of leadership transition in these kinds of ministry; 5) draft a leadership succession plan for The Border Church; 6) vet this leadership succession plan with a “Council of Elders” onsite in San Diego and Tijuana.