All tagged leadership
Authenticity is not only seen in big, dramatic moments. More often, authenticity is found in the small, daily decisions that have earned your credibility. It is not about being liked; it is about being trusted because of your consistency and clear values.
Ministry can sometimes feel like sailing into the wind—navigating competing needs, weary congregations, complex situations, and quiet pressures. And in a world enamored with metrics, driven by measurable outcomes and focused on the correct formula for success, it is easy to forget that the kingdom of God does not advance in this way. It advances by the breath of the Holy Spirit.
In ministry, conflict is inevitable—but it doesn’t always have to be combustible. One of the most effective ways to prevent misunderstandings from escalating is to build and maintain credibility. When people trust your character, believe in your competence, and know you’re consistent, they’re far more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt in tense moments.
This year, as we embark on new endeavors and seek to build and foster relationships that align more closely with our purpose, let us remember that God is ever-present, guiding us through each change and loss. In moments of despair, we should recognize these opportunities for growth and be willing to step into the newness of life God offers us.
Ministers may think that they want honest input or feedback, but their actions speak otherwise. When a leader asks for input but then immediately shares their own opinion before receiving feedback, it can create several potential dynamics—sometimes positive, but mostly negative if it happens too often.
Once you understand that your identity is grounded in God’s love, you are free to take risks, to grow and learn from your mistakes, and to try and fail because the outcome will not affect your identity in Him.
So if you are simply curious about how to improve your leadership, or if you find yourself in some degree of stress about leadership, I encourage you to trust in the truth that God is actively being God. All seven of these principles point to the One that matters.
While we want to create safety, we honestly can’t—at least for the most part. Jesus certainly didn’t play it safe. His ministry was risky from day one.
A healthy leadership group creates a culture where people feel safe and supported, and this tends to produce positive results in the church as a whole.
Should those leading the church just assume that person loves to serve? When should leaders ask the question, “Are we taking advantage of someone’s time and talents as a volunteer?”
Why am I confident that we can do it? We have each other, good resources, the willingness to do it, and more than anything else, I believe with all my heart that the Lord is with us.
Let us have the courage to embrace unconventional paths and actively participate in initiatives that bring about positive change and holistic well-being.
What is needed today is a kind of revolution in thinking and imagination. Churches need a radical change in the way they see their mission.
Proverbs’ wisdom reminds us that a friend sticks closer than a brother and is of immeasurable value. John Willis’ holy living and substantial friendship transformed my life.
We all get our feelings hurt. You need thick skin to be a spiritual leader. It is hard. Most people never know how many hours you spend trying to help people.
I am convinced that John’s life and ministry can be an example for all of us to proclaim biblical values in our context while remaining connected to our people and culture.
The sneaky thing about renewal is that it is not up to us—it is up to God. God cannot do the work God desires to do when communities of faith assume that they are the center of things.
Jeremiah’s interpretative leadership has something to say to all of us adapting to the disruptions of the times; God and the ways of God remain unchanged even when recontextualized.
We work for the maturation of God’s people, helping them to grow in their Christlikeness in every aspect of their lives.
I thank God for your leadership and your sacrifice. For many, it goes unseen by the congregation and unacknowledged. But know that you matter, you are valued, you are important to God
