5. Didn’t quit: Peyton injured his neck and could have retired from the game and would have been a first ballot Hall of Famer. He didn’t need to ever play again and he could have gone on to other things, but instead he had multiple neck surgeries, went through extensive physical therapy and rehab and worked hard to get back to the game he so desperately loves. He didn’t give up when most would have, like when his team, the Indianapolis Colts, released him and doubted his ability to play at an elite level post-surgery. Too many pastors quit right before a major breakthrough in their ministry. As I have stated in both of my books, I’m a big believer in long-term ministry. I think you need to plant roots in a community and give your life to something significant.
Danger: when you don’t know when to step down. Too many pastors don’t have a plan for a successful succession. Dr. Gene Getz modeled this for me years ago and has been a hero of mine for a long time. I also encourage you to check out my friend William Vanderbloemen’s new book, Next: Pastoral Succession That Works
6. High Standards: Peyton expects greatness from himself and his team. For two decades of ministry leadership, I have expected a lot from myself and from others (my staff and volunteers). I don’t think it’s wrong to ask for commitment and excellence from your team.
Danger: we must be people of grace. We must have grace for ourselves when we fail. We must have grace for others when they let us down.
7. Character: Peyton Manning is known for being a class-act. He’s a good person on the field and off. He’s not involved in scandals, suspensions or problems with the law (like many other athletes.) As leaders, we need to be men and women of character.
Danger: when the public self and the private self don’t line up. If you’re an amazing preacher at church, but a horrible husband and father and/or addict at home—you need to repent and seek help. Go to counseling and confide in another pastor that you trust. Pastors need friends they can be real with.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. —Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
