This post developed from a conversation with a young pastor overwhelmed by his new responsibilities. In his first role out of seminary, his congregation expects him to lead effectively, preach powerful messages, visit members, and manage a complex budget. Amidst these pressures, the most critical challenge he faces is dealing with insecurity in leadership.
While he recognizes the weight of his position, he often feels unqualified to deliver on every expectation. Seminary provided a foundation, but it did not prepare him for every practical challenge of ministry. He accepted the call knowing he would need to walk by faith, yet he now wonders if he is in over his head. Learning to identify the signs of insecure church leadership is a vital first step in finding his footing.
It became clear that he was struggling with a significant lack of confidence. I have previously explored this topic in my article on the 7 Traits of an Insecure Leader, which examines common patterns of insecure leadership found in ministry today.
It caused me to ask myself, so I could coach him:
What’s the best way to deal with insecurity in leadership?
5 ways to deal with 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. 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. (Plus, it’s a 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. 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.
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 Gideon, Moses, Joseph, David, or Joshua repeatedly. Great encouragement.)
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 wrote about that HERE and HERE.
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. God will strengthen you when you need strength most. 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. But, 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!
Read more from Ron Edmondson »
This article originally appeared on RonEdmondson.com and is reposted here by permission.