How To Become The Leader Your Ministry Deserves

I can honestly look at my career and say “I’ve been successful.” At the same time I can look at my leadership and say, “I could have done better.”

Are you giving your ministry everything it deserves? Chances are you’ve made poor decisions or held back when you should have been all in. It’s the challenge of being a leader; however, if you want to be one that your ministry deserves then you need to:

IDENTIFY YOUR GIFTS AND LIMITATIONS

Your talents are what make you unique as a leader. Every great leader knows to invest in their strengths because that is what will benefit their team.

At the same time a great leader knows that they are limited. Instead of fighting them they figure out ways to work with them. That means:

• Delegating weaknesses to people who can handle them.
• Working outside of the box when it comes to problem solving.
• Looking at what you do have as all that you need.

When you identify your gifts and limitations you embrace your situation. Instead of backing away from problems or challenges you’ll find yourself leaning in because you now have the confidence to take them on.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO DEMAND THE BEST

Great leaders are surrounded by people who are smarter than them. And that’s because a leader knows that he or she is never done growing.

Look for people who want you to succeed even if it means calling you out on poor behavior. They need to be sharing with you resources and opportunities that will help you grow.

To build an accountability team:

1. Start identifying successful leaders that you want to learn from.
2. Buy them a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.
3. Get to know them personally and allow them to get to know you.

You don’t have to ask them to formally invest in you. By simply investing in them they’ll return the favor and help you succeed.

DISCOVER NEW WAYS TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO GROW

Comfort isn’t always a good thing. A leader who is too comfortable is one that is no longer growing.

While books, and podcasts can help you grow, try to find experiences where failure is a possibility. For example you could:

• Sign up for a road race.
• Go camping in the wilderness.
• Take on a new hobby or interest that takes technical skill (e.g. musical instrument).
• Attend a class or seminar in an area you aren’t familiar.

Whether you fail or succeed the challenge will teach you things about yourself that you didn’t know. It will give you an opportunity to make adjustments so you can take your leadership to the next level.

REMIND YOURSELF THAT IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU

The best leaders understand that they play a small part in a bigger plan. They are constantly working on their relationship with God and looking for ways to listen to His plan.

As a leader you need to spend regular time praying and seeking God’s will. That doesn’t mean asking Him for things that you want but discovering what it is He wants.

A leader who is centered on what is most important has his priorities in order. When we listen to God we are given clarity and are able to make the decisions every great leader makes.