Leadership Blog :: 12 Words Of Encouragement For Pastors #Leadership
This week, in our Pastor & Director meeting at MPCC, our Senior Pastor, Chris Philbeck had some great words of encouragement for us (from Crosswalk.com). These principles were a tremendous reminder to me, that it takes intentionality on my part to lead well. I hope these will be an encouragement to you.
- Choose your friends wisely….but choose friends. Don’t attempt to lead alone. Too many pastors avoid close friendships because they’ve been hurt. They trusted someone with information who used it against them. Finding friends you can trust and be real with means you’ll sometimes get injured, but the reward is worth it.
- The Church can never love your family as much as you do. Your family needs you more than The Church does. They can always get another pastor but your family doesn’t want another YOU. You’ll have to learn to say “no,” learn how to balance and prioritize your time, and be willing to delegate to others in the church.
- If you protect your Sabbath day, your Sabbath day can better protect you. You’ll wear out quickly without a day a week to rejuvenate. God designed us this way. Take advantage of His provision. Take time to rest, whatever that looks like to you. Lead your church to understand you can’t be everywhere every time. You owe it to yourself, your family, your church and God.
- You have influence….Use it well. Leadership comes with tremendous power and responsibility. It’s easy to abuse or take for granted. Don’t. Humility welcomes the hand of God on your ministry.
- No amount of accountability or structure will keep you from temptation if your heart is impure. Proverbs 4:23: Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Avoid any hint of temptation. Look for the warning signs your heart is drifting. Keep your heart saturated with God’s Word and in prayer.
- Let God lead. You can do some things well. God can do the impossible. Whom do you think should ultimately be leading the church? You’ll be surprised how much more effective your leadership will be when it’s according to His will and not yours.
- If you can dream it, God can dream it bigger. Don’t dismiss the seemingly ridiculous things God calls you to do. They won’t always make sense to others or meet their immediate approval, but God’s ways will prove best every time. (Must Read: The Circle Maker – by Mark Batterson)
- Keep Jesus the center of focus in The Church. You’ll never have a money problem, a people problem, or a growth problem if people are one with Jesus.
- Your personal health affects the health of the church. Take care of yourself relationally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This, too, requires discipline, balance, and prioritizing, but if, to the best of your ability, you strive to be healthy in every area of your life, as a good shepherd, your people will be more likely to follow your example.
- The people in your church deserve authenticity. Not only will being honest about who you are help keep you from trying to meet unreal expectations, but it will help the people in your church be transparent with you and others. Don’t be someone you’re not. Be someone worthy to follow, but make sure you’re living it… not just teaching it.
- You’ll never make everyone happy. If you try, you’ll be very unhappy… and very unproductive.
- Your calling is to a person… Jesus. That means you are working for Jesus. You ultimately report to Jesus. It is the pleasure of Jesus you are seeking. There will be days your calling is challenged by others. You’ll be tempted to cave in to the pressure of those with the loudest voices. Don’t forget who holds the title to your life.
Be encouraged today!
Let’s connect on Twitter: Brian Tabor :: MPCC Worship :: Tabor Ministries
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