3. Dread: When Fear Threatens to Silence You
The interview request came from a major news network known for hostility toward Christianity. The pastor knew they’d ask about the church’s stance on controversial issues. Every fiber of his being wanted to decline.
Fear is one of the greatest threats to a leader’s convictions. Fear of losing your job. Fear of being misunderstood. Fear of losing people you love. Fear of becoming irrelevant or “canceled.”
What it looks like: You soften your language on sin because you’re afraid of being called judgmental. You avoid certain biblical topics because you’re afraid people will leave. You stay silent on cultural issues because you’re afraid of the backlash.
How to stand: You must fear God more than people. Period. Daniel didn’t open his window to pray out of defiance—he did it out of devotion (Daniel 6:10). He feared disappointing God more than he feared the lions’ den.
Your response: Ask yourself daily, “To whom will I give an account—God or people?” The answer to that question determines whether you speak truth or stay silent.
4. Discord: When Gossip Threatens to Destroy You
The rumor spread quickly: the pastor was having an affair. It wasn’t true, but by the time the lie circulated through the congregation, the damage was done. Some believed it. Others weren’t sure. Trust eroded overnight.
Few things stunt the growth of a movement or church faster than gossip. One rumor or false accusation can destroy a leader’s reputation and credibility. And when people start whispering, even your strongest convictions can feel pointless.
What it looks like: Anonymous emails questioning your character. Small groups gossiping about your decisions. Staff meetings where people undermine your leadership behind your back. A false narrative gaining traction faster than you can correct it.
How to stand: Live with integrity so that when accusations come, your track record speaks for itself. Address false claims directly but don’t get drawn into endless defense. Keep leading with conviction while others gossip.
Your response: “My conscience is clear before God. I will not be derailed by slander. I will continue doing what God called me to do.”
RELATED: 2 Realities That Often Stifle Conviction for Developing Leaders
5. Division: The Battle to Keep People United
The church was splitting. Half wanted contemporary worship. Half wanted traditional. The pastor knew that unity mattered more than style preferences, but both sides were threatening to leave if they didn’t get their way.
Leadership is about getting people to work together toward a common goal. But division is easy. Unity is hard. And when your convictions require keeping diverse people unified around a singular mission, you’ll face intense pressure to choose sides or compromise the mission.
What it looks like: Factions forming in your church. Long-time members leaving over changes. New people complaining about “the way things have always been done.” Staff members lobbying for their preferred direction.
How to stand: Paul’s letter to the Philippians addressed this directly: “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philippians 2:2). Unity doesn’t mean uniformity, but it does mean shared mission.
Your response: Keep pointing people back to the mission. Cast vision relentlessly. Make decisions based on mission, not preferences. Be willing to lose people who won’t unite around God’s calling for your church.
