Why Emotional Intelligence Matters Most in Ministry | Tasha Chapman (Part 1)

Why do churches and Christian organisations so frequently appoint leaders who end up causing harm? In this episode of Jesus Work in Jesus Ways, host Mark Stirling sits down with Dr Tasha Chapman for Part 1 of a candid two-part conversation on emotional intelligence, narcissism, and true redemptive leadership. Tasha reveals how rewarding high IQ and technical expertise over emotional health leads to the trap of "hero leadership"—and why true Christian leadership is about gathering people into Christ's peace rather than having all the answers. Book Now for Building Resilience for Ministry - 4th February 2027 - https://www.oakhill.ac.uk/about/event... 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS EQ vs. IQ in Ministry: Why intellectual brilliance without emotional self-awareness creates dangerous leadership blind spots. The Narcissism Trap: How business and church cultures reward command-and-control personalities and why boards often protect abusive leaders. "Noses, Noise, and Nickels": Why relying on easily countable metrics undermines long-term gospel growth and fosters organisational anxiety. Self-Awareness as Formation: Why deep personal self-knowledge (and counselling) is essential for anyone leading in God's church. Disappointing People Well: Understanding leadership as "the art of disappointing people at a rate they can absorb" to break the saviour complex. Union with Christ: Why resting in our identity in Jesus is the ultimate antidote to fear-driven, performance-based leadership. 🎙️ STANDOUT QUOTES "We tend to put people in charge of other people because they've accomplished a lot of expertise, but actually their people skills or their emotional intelligence is very low." — Tasha Chapman "Leadership isn't about people behind following me like ducks in a row. It's me helping gather them to face the world as the body of Christ working together." — Tasha Chapman "Our job is actually to disappoint people, because I'm not going to fix it for you, I don't know all the answers, and I'm going to gather you and slow you down." — Tasha Chapman --- 📚 RESOURCES & BOOKS MENTIONED Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Need to Survive and Thrive by Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman, and Donald Guthrie The Politics of Ministry: Navigating Power, Dynamics, and Relationships by Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman, and Donald Guthrie Explore Leadership Training at Oak Hill College: https://www.oakhill.ac.uk/our-courses... In-Person Day Conference: Building Resilience for Ministry Speaker: Dr. Tasha Chapman Date & Time: Thursday, 4th February 2027 | 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM Location: Oak Hill College, London Details: An interactive gathering exploring how to lead healthier, sustainable ministries for the long haul. Every participant receives a copy of Tasha Chapman's book Resilient Ministry, plus lunch on campus. Places are limited. Register now to reserve your spot. https://www.oakhill.ac.uk/about/event... 👥 ABOUT THE HOST & GUEST Host: Dr Mark Stirling is the Director of the MA in Contemporary Christian Leadership at Oak Hill College, London. Guest: Dr Tasha Chapman formerly taught at Covenant Theological Seminary, where she led the Doctor of Ministry program, and currently teaches as an adjunct faculty member for Oak Hill College. --- 🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Jesus Work in Jesus Ways, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share this episode with a pastor or leader in your life!