I have a few words just for pastors. Other leaders may appreciate them, but I’m writing with pastors in mind.
I love pastors. I’m not saying that because I am one. I haven’t always been. In fact, I was in secular leadership far longer than I’ve been in ministry leadership.
I say it because, having now been a pastor, I see the uniqueness of the role and what’s required to be effective in ministry. It’s hard work. I applaud God’s servants who are obedient to their call.
The real motive behind this blog is to encourage and help equip pastors. I know there are others who read this – and I’m thankful they do – but, my heart still reaches out to those who serve in vocational ministry positions (whether part-time or full-time).
Occasionally I like to share some of the tweetable thoughts I’ve got running through my head. That’s the point of this post. I want to share some words for pastors I’ve learned in leading people.
Most of these I’ve learned the hard way.
11 words for pastors:
1. The change you most need to initiate will often be the hardest change to make.
2. The loss of power, or sense of loss, will always be a key objection to change.
3. People aren’t always taking your situation as seriously as you are. Remember, you aren’t likely taking their situation as serious as they do either.
4. All criticism stings. Some stings more than others. Even when you need to hear it – even if it’s not true – it hurts.
5. Being a bad fit for the team doesn’t make someone a bad person.
6. Some of your greatest partners in ministry are often silent partners. God will often reveal them to you only when you need them most.
7. Your greatest fear will likely be in an area where God can most use you.
8. Just because it is the right thing to do is no indication everyone is going to love it.
9. You build greater loyalty in people when you share a common vision, not when you share common personalities.
10. People naturally resist what they can’t understand. This makes vision-casting a premier function of leadership.
11. You limit what you control.
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