Category / Leadership

The longer you lead in any one organization, the more difficult it is to let go.

That’s natural.

You’ve invested more, so there is more to protect. Or at least be tempted to protect.

It’s not unlike the difference between a young adult who is twenty-five and a middle-aged adult who is fifty-five.

If you are a young adult who is just moving out of your parent’s place for the first time with a modest bank account and all you own in the back of an SUV, you are probably more willing to risk big because there’s not as much to lose.  

If you are a middle-aged adult with decades of life invested, married with three kids, a mortgage, and your life savings set aside, you’re still willing to risk, but you think about things differently. You handle your money differently … you are more likely to hold onto it and for good reasons.

In leadership, however, it’s essential to be more open-handed with your authority, influence, and what you have built.

Criticism is a reality in any leader’s life.

Constructive critique is welcomed.

Whether it comes from a coach who cares, another leader on the team who wants the best for you and the church, or a good friend, constructive criticism given in a genuine spirit of love is a gift.

Potentially destructive criticism, however, comes from both inside and outside the church.

Even when you’re making a positive difference in your community, someone will be offended and complain.

Christians too, will let you know what they don’t like and might even leave if you don’t comply.

We know certain traits are common among good leaders.

For example, strength, decisiveness, courage, drive, and resilience. These are just a few of the desired attributes of a good leader. All are needed and admirable.

We need leaders who have the ability to help the church forward. Without them, we can spin our wheels and get stuck. 

But is progress the only issue on the table? What about how you get where you want to go?

The destination is incredibly important, but the journey matters.

The purpose of your church sets the direction, but the leaders set the culture.

The Church is truly magnificent even with its flaws, and transformational when it’s at its best.

I admit it; I love the church. It’s the most fascinating, complex, and ever-changing organization and community of human beings who follow Jesus and those who come searching with questions.

I love that everyone is welcome, and there is no charge.

Some days the Church can be frustrating, but most days, it’s fulfilling – pretty much like real life. 

If you are in leadership, you’ve experienced some fine lines that can become land mines if you don’t know where you are stepping, and you can find yourself in trouble fast.