Leadership requires decision-making. Some decisions are small, others carry heavy weight. For Christian leaders, prayer isn’t the last resort—it’s the starting point. Prayer keeps us from leading out of fear, pride, or pressure and helps us align with God’s will, not just our plans.

Leading with Surrender
James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Prayer invites God's wisdom into our leadership, reminding us that we don’t have to have all the answers—we just need to seek the One who does.

Prayer isn't about getting a quick answer. It's about positioning our hearts to hear, wait, and obey. It slows us down when everything around us says, "decide now." It humbles us when ego wants the credit. It reminds us that the people we lead belong to God first.

Listening for God's Voice
In John 10:27, Jesus said, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me."

Great leadership starts with great listening. And the best leaders are the best listeners—not just to their team, but to the Shepherd. Prayer isn't just talking to God; it's also learning to recognize His voice amidst the noise.

As you pray, you may not always get a direct answer right away. But you'll gain clarity, peace, and often the courage to move in the right direction even when it’s hard.

Keep Prayer at the Center
If you want to lead like Jesus, you have to live like Jesus. And Jesus prayed constantly. Before big decisions. Before teaching. Before choosing His disciples. Before going to the cross. He lived in constant communion with the Father.

Whatever leadership decision you face today—pause. Pray. Then lead with boldness and peace.

• What decision are you facing right now?
• How can prayer shape the way you approach it?

If you lead people, you will eventually lead difficult people. The question isn’t if you'll deal with them, but how you will handle it when you do. Whether it’s someone who constantly challenges you, creates friction in the team, or struggles with authority, your response matters more than their behavior.

Grace and Growth
In 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Paul instructs Timothy, "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth."

​Leading difficult people is not just about solving problems; it’s about creating space for growth. Sometimes, the person who challenges you most is the one God is calling you to shape with the most patience.

Look Beneath the Surface
Behavior is often a symptom, not the root issue.

• Is the person hurt?
• Insecure?
• Burned out?
• Misunderstood?

Asking the right questions can help you lead with compassion instead of frustration. You may not be able to fix everything, but understanding someone’s why can change how you respond.

Lead Without Losing Yourself
Don’t let someone else’s difficulty cause you to lead in a way that’s out of character. Stay grounded. Stay gracious. Stay clear about your expectations. Some people will grow. Some won’t. Your job is to stay faithful.

• Who’s the difficult person you’re leading right now?
• What might God be wanting to teach you through that relationship?

Leading others isn’t always easy. But it is always worth it.

As a leader, confidence is important—but unchecked, it can drift into pride. Humility is essential—but without courage, it can become passivity. Bold humility is the balance of both—knowing when to lead with conviction and when to listen, learn, and guide gently.

Strength Under Control
Over the years, I’ve had my share of employees who thought they already had it all figured out. Rather than immediately shutting them down, I’d let them try things their way. And when it didn’t work—as it often didn’t—I didn’t throw it in their face. I took the time to explain not just that it failed, but why it failed. Then, I’d walk them through how to do it the right way. That kind of correction doesn’t just produce results—it builds trust.

This is what bold humility looks like. Not needing to flex your experience in every conversation, but standing firm when it matters and guiding others with patience and clarity.

Jesus as Our Example
Philippians 2:5–8 reminds us, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing... He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Jesus had all authority, and yet He led with service, not ego.

Boldness Without Bravado
People follow leaders who are confident enough to take a stand, but humble enough to admit when they’re wrong—or when someone else has a better idea. This balance doesn’t come naturally. It’s a discipline. It’s rooted in knowing your identity in Christ, not in performance or position.
​

• Are you leading with confidence and humility or defaulting too heavily to one side?
• How do you respond when someone under your leadership stumbles or thinks they know better?

Bold humility builds better teams, better cultures, and stronger trust. It shows people that leadership isn't about ego—it's about example.

Volunteers are the backbone of most ministries—and leading them well is one of the most important (and often overlooked) skills for church leaders. Unlike paid staff, volunteers aren’t working for a paycheck. They’re giving their time, talents, and energy because they believe in the mission.

Lead with Gratitude, Not Guilt
Volunteers don’t need pressure—they need purpose. Thank them often and celebrate their wins. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, "We always thank God for all of you... We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." When people feel seen and appreciated, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

Cast Vision, Not Just Tasks
Don’t just tell people what to do—remind them why they’re doing it. Whether someone is running slides, holding babies in the nursery, or picking up trash after service, they’re part of the mission. Help volunteers connect their role to the bigger picture of what God is doing.

Equip and Empower
Give your volunteers the tools and training they need to succeed. Set clear expectations, check in regularly, and don’t micromanage. Ephesians 4:12 reminds us that leaders are called “to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Show Up For Them
Care for your volunteers personally, not just functionally. Know what’s happening in their lives, pray for them, and be available. Leading volunteers well means leading them as people, not just performers.

• Are you giving your volunteers more than just tasks—are you giving them purpose?
• Do your volunteers feel appreciated, equipped, and cared for?

This week, take a moment to personally thank a volunteer. Speak life into them. Let them know their role matters—and so do they.

Technology has reshaped nearly every aspect of leadership—from how we communicate, to how we build trust, to how we disciple others. The digital age is here to stay, and as Christian leaders, we must learn how to engage it with wisdom, discernment, and intentionality.

Be Present Where People Are
Jesus met people where they were—on roadsides, at wells, in synagogues. Today, people are on their phones, scrolling through social media or binge-watching content online. We can choose to complain about it, or we can show up and represent Christ well in those spaces.

“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22

Discernment Over Distraction
The digital world can be noisy, chaotic, and even toxic. Not every opportunity is worth pursuing, and not every platform builds up. Leading in a digital age means being discerning about how and where we engage. Let’s not chase algorithms—let’s chase impact.

Leverage Tech to Build, Not Replace, Relationships
Online tools are just that—tools. They should never replace the relational work of ministry. Use email, texting, social media, and video calls to strengthen connection, not to substitute real human interaction. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds... not giving up meeting together.”

Shepherd Hearts, Not Just Followers
Digital reach is great—but depth matters more. Don’t let likes, shares, or followers become your scorecard. Use your platform to disciple, encourage, and point others to Jesus.

• How can you use your digital presence to build trust, not just share content?
• Are you modeling healthy tech use for those you lead?

In this ever-evolving age, let’s lead with intentionality—leveraging every tool available to us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Great leaders listen. It’s not flashy, it’s not loud, and it’s definitely not about having all the answers—but it’s essential. Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” When we slow down and truly hear what others are saying, we build trust, encourage growth, and often gain a new perspective ourselves.

Listening Builds Trust
Listening communicates value. When we give someone our full attention, it tells them that their voice matters. In a leadership role, that’s powerful. People don’t just want to be led—they want to be heard. When your team knows you’re not just waiting for your turn to talk, but truly considering their input, trust grows.

Jesus modeled this. He was surrounded by crowds, yet He took the time to hear the cries of individuals—the blind man, the bleeding woman, the children others tried to shoo away. His listening wasn’t passive—it was active, intentional, and full of compassion.

Listening Leads to Better Decisions
Too many leaders rush to respond without fully understanding the issue. Active listening helps you make better, wiser decisions because you're working with complete information—not assumptions. James 1:19 tells us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” It’s amazing what clarity can come when we prioritize hearing first.

Listening Models Humility
Leaders who listen show they don’t believe they have it all figured out. It takes humility to pause and learn from others, especially those you lead. That humility is contagious—it sets the tone for a culture where feedback is welcomed, ideas are shared, and people feel safe to speak up.

Ask Yourself:

• When was the last time I listened without preparing my response?
• Do people feel heard after speaking with me?
• How can I create more space for voices that often go unheard?

Leadership isn’t just about making noise—it’s about creating space for others to speak into what God is doing.

Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about being willing to hear them.

Feedback Isn't Failure
Too often, leaders bristle at feedback because we mistake it for failure. We want to get it right the first time. But the truth is, feedback isn't a grade—it's a gift. When we invite others to speak into our blind spots, we grow in awareness and wisdom. Proverbs 15:31 says, "He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise." Listening isn't weakness—it's wisdom.

Choose a Posture of Humility
It takes humility to hear what we may not want to hear. Whether it comes from a peer, team member, mentor, or even a critic, the humble leader receives feedback not with defensiveness but with discernment. James 1:19 reminds us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." That posture builds trust and shows our teams that growth matters more to us than ego.

Create Safe Feedback Loops
Do people feel safe giving you honest feedback? If not, it might be time to evaluate how you respond when someone challenges your ideas or decisions. Safe feedback loops don't happen by accident. They happen when we normalize feedback as part of the culture. Ask good questions, thank people for their honesty, and circle back to let them know how their input helped.

Invite the Right Voices
Not every voice is equally helpful. Seek feedback from those who are wise, spiritually mature, and who want to see you flourish. Proverbs 27:6 reminds us that "wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Surround yourself with people who speak truth, even when it's hard.

Let the Spirit Shape the Takeaway
As leaders, we can be tempted to dismiss or distort feedback based on how it's delivered. But even clumsily given feedback can hold truth that the Holy Spirit can use to shape us. Instead of reacting, bring it to prayer. Ask the Lord to show you what's true and what needs to change. God can use even the rough edges of others to sand off our own.

From Input to Growth
Feedback only helps us grow when we do something with it. Take action. Change the tone. Adjust the plan. Say thank you. Offer an apology. Improve the system. Do the work. Leadership development is slow, intentional work. But if we keep listening, keep learning, and keep responding, we become the kind of leaders others want to follow.

One of the greatest marks of leadership isn’t what you accomplish—it’s who you raise up along the way. Leaders aren’t just responsible for tasks and goals; we’re stewards of people’s growth. Jesus didn’t just minister to crowds—He invested in a small group of followers and gave them room to grow, make mistakes, and become leaders themselves.

See What Others Can’t
Great leaders don’t just see people as they are—they see who they could become. When you call out potential in someone, you’re helping them see a future they may not even realize is possible. Paul told Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example…” (1 Timothy 4:12, NIV). Sometimes, all it takes is someone to say, “I see something in you.”

Create Space for Growth
Leadership development doesn’t happen by accident. It takes:

• Opportunity – Let others lead something meaningful
• Encouragement – Build confidence without micromanaging
• Feedback – Offer clear, grace-filled coaching
• Permission to fail – Growth comes through trial and error

If everything depends on you, you’re not leading—you’re bottlenecking. Letting others lead doesn’t dilute your leadership. It multiplies it.

Model What You Want to Multiply
You reproduce what you are. If you want future leaders who are humble, teachable, bold, and compassionate, you’ve got to model that. Paul said in Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.” The people you’re developing are watching your example more than your instructions.

Invest for the Long Haul
Raising up leaders is slow work. It takes time, intentionality, and prayer. But it’s worth it. Think about the leaders who invested in you. What if they hadn’t? Now it’s your turn to do for others what someone once did for you. Don’t just build your leadership—build a legacy.​