Leadership in the church will stretch you in ways few other roles can. It calls for clarity, humility, courage, and a steady dependence on God. These principles offer a clear, boots-on-the-ground look at what healthy ministry leadership really requires. They’re practical, hard-earned lessons that help pastors lead well, love well, and stay faithful to the work God has placed in their hands.
1. Delegate.
Just because you do a job better than someone else does not mean you should do it.
2. Follow-Up.
People do not do what you expect; they do what you inspect.
3. Earn the Right to Lead.
Still your impatience and earn the right to the congregation’s trust before making difficult decisions.
4. Appreciate Your Support Team.
A pastor depends on his wife and family, other ministers, and countless others in his service for God.
5. Know When to Give In.
In some conflicts, maintaining harmony and unity is more important than being right.
6. Learn from Your Failures and Go Forward.
“If you want to succeed, you must prepare to fail.”
7. Discipline Yourself.
A great purpose drives self-discipline; you can tell yourself “no,” and you can bring yourself to do the hard thing.
8. Remember Names and Use Them.
There is just no substitute for a pastor learning the names of the members, even if there are a lot of them. The payoff is well worth the effort.
9. Sometimes Leaders Must Follow; Do It Well.
It takes great strength and maturity to recognize when another has the gifts and training to lead in a situation where you do not and to turn it over to him.
10. Your Brother Is Your Partner, not a Competitor.
There is no competition between lighthouses, and there shouldn’t be between God’s family members.
