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 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.)
By the way, I’ve learned over the years that some of the best leaders in the church aren’t volunteering. They have to be recruited. And sometimes you have to recruit them from outside the church. If you need someone to help with marketing, for example, don’t be afraid to find someone in the community and ask them if they are looking for a place to volunteer – even if only for a short-term project.
Keep learning
Seek wisdom from other leaders. Read books. Take additional classes. Attend conferences. Knowledge is power. The more you grow in information the more competent you will feel in your role. (By the way, when I feel overwhelmed or insecure, I read the stories like those of Moses, Joseph, David, or Joshua repeatedly. Great encouragement.)
And I realize money is likely tight for these kind of things. Here’s a principle of leadership it might take you a while to learn. Investing in what’s next is hard when you’re small, but always a worthy investment. It fuels you and the church. The reward will come in time. Plus, there are inexpensive ways to develop yourself and your team. I give a few suggestions in THIS POST.
Ultimately, find your identity in what’s really secure
You have a relationship with Christ. Read that sentence one more time. You can do all God calls you to do, because He will equip you for His call. Again, you’d teach your church this, right? If God calls you to it, He will strengthen you for it. His power is made perfect in your weakness.
This is a hard word, because it isn’t quickly implemented. This takes years of walking with God as a pastor and leader. Yet, if you are facing insecurity in leadership, you may have to simply get better at walking by faith. “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Insecurity will weigh you down and hold you back as a pastor or leader. It will keep you from doing all you were called to do. Don’t let it!
Check out my leadership podcast where we discuss leadership nuggetsin a practical way. Plus, check out the other Lifeway Leadership Podcasts.
