Nothing will harm your ministry more than the assumption that you have arrived. No leader, regardless of the scale of their responsibilities, is a “grace graduate.” Effective leaders never stop learning because they recognize their constant need for spiritual growth and divine grace.
It is impossible to lead, teach, and disciple others into a truth that you do not desperately need yourself. Leading as God intended is rooted in humility and the recognition of your own limitations. Because you acknowledge your need, you become a passionate advocate for the gospel of grace, eager to mobilize others to receive what has transformed you. This perspective is the foundation of a never stop learning leadership mindset.
No one extends grace or trains others more effectively than the person who recognizes their own need for it. The most impactful disciplers are those who remain disciples themselves; the best mentors continue to be mentored. Exceptional teachers never cease to be students, and the strongest leaders are those who still crave the guidance of others, understanding there are continual learning lessons for leaders.
Ministry is never just shaped by knowledge, experience and skill, but by the condition of your heart. The danger is that the more you know, experience and see success, then the more spiritually mature you may think that you are. But knowledge, experience and skill does not necessarily result in spiritual maturity. There are still areas of your life in which you need to grow.
As you lead in ministry, consider the following questions:
• Who speaks into your life?
• Who mentors you?
• Who helps you to know, see and understand areas in which you need to grow in discipleship?
First Timothy 4:16 reads, “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Notice Paul’s advice to Timothy: Watch yourself and watch your teaching. By watching both of those, you’ll save yourself and your hearers. I don’t think there’s better advice than this to anyone in ministry. Keep an eye on what God has called you to do and do that well. But it’s not enough to just keep an eye on your ministry. You must also keep an eye on yourself.
• What is God teaching you about you?
• How are you nurturing yourself with the Word of God?
• Are you committed to areas where change or growth need to take place?
• Are you opening yourself up to the personal ministry of others and inviting them into your private space?
As you lead in ministry, open yourself up to your own need. Celebrate that there’s nothing you will ever lead people to do in discipleship that you don’t need yourself, and resist ever naming yourself as a grace graduate.
This article originally appeared on NewChurches.com as adapted from Training Pathway: Discipleship. Check out more training videos on Ministry Grid.