How do you battle insecurity as a pastor?
This post developed after talking with a young pastor overwhelmed with the responsibility he’d been given. It was his first church out of seminary. His church expected a lot from him—leading the church, preaching great messages, visiting the sick (and the well), managing a budget, and seeing the baptistry consistently in use—just to name a few things.
He realized the weight of his position, but much of it he didn’t feel qualified to deliver. Seminary didn’t give him all the training he needed. He accepted the position knowing there would be challenges and knew he would have to walk by faith, which he wanted to do—but when we talked he was wondering if he was in over his head.
I realized he was dealing with a huge dose of insecurity. It caused me to ask myself, so I could coach him:
What’s the best way to deal with insecurity in leadership?
Here are some places I landed.
5 Ways To Battle Insecurity as a Pastor or Leader
Avoid Comparisons
Insecurity often develops when a person compares his or herself to another. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be yourself. Realize who God designed you to be is not a mistake. Obviously, someone believed in your abilities as a leader. You need to stop comparing and start living in your own skin.
And that goes for the church also. All the things that are working in another church may not work in yours. They might. And there might be principles that will work. Be open to learning from others. Of course you should want the church to grow. But your church is a unique body of believers.
Concentrate on Your Abilities
What are you good at doing? Make a list of your good qualities. You probably have more than you think you do. This is where people who know you well can probably help. They see things in you that you can’t see or haven’t realized.
In times of feeling insecure we often forget who we are and how God has shaped us through experiences of life. (God told Gideon to “go in the strength you have.”) We would never tell a church member they aren’t gifted—why would we believe this about ourself?
Keep your list handy. It will help you to feel more confident if you focus more on your positives than your negatives.
Surround Yourself With People Who Complement Your Weaknesses
Part of having a healthy church or organization is the strength, which comes from different people. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are probably people who can do things you don’t feel comfortable doing. It’s not a sign of weakness to get others involved. It’s actually a sign of strength as a leader. (And it’s the more Biblical model of the church.)
