Leadership

While there isn’t always much pastors can do to circumvent the emotional and spiritual ascents and descents that seem to accompany their weekly rhythms, there are things they can do to ensure that they remain healthy for the long haul in the midst of it.

The bad choices that can lead to a church's demise

Many of our “beliefs” are not aspects of Christian doctrine at all, but rather ideologies we have made into theologies.

Keep calm and use facts. Maintaining a good reputation is a biblical requirement for pastors. I can understand the visceral reaction of defensiveness when faced with a public attack. Most want to defend their good name. The problem is you escalate the issue when you respond emotionally.

Remember that we live in an 8 second world, and first impressions are critical. In that context, whether you have one person or a multi-person team helping in the parking lot, they’re the first contact new visitors will receive.

When you lead a church, you can’t help but dream—and dream big. I think that’s one of the marks of a leader. But for most, it’s not long before the dream comes face to face with reality.

The future is uncharted territory, but we walk forward into it whether we like it or not. Believers have a Lord who dwells in the future as well as the present. We can go confidently into “that good night,” as one put it. “He leadeth me in paths of righteousness.”

Teams that thrive tend to encourage one another seven to nine times more than they criticize.