Leadership is demanding. The weight of responsibility, decision-making, and serving others can be exhausting. But too many leaders wear burnout like a badge of honor, pushing themselves past healthy limits. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Even Jesus, in the midst of His ministry, took time to withdraw and rest. Mark 6:31 (NIV) tells us, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” 

The Danger of Overwork
The world rewards hustle, but constant overwork leads to exhaustion, poor decision-making, and diminished effectiveness. When leaders neglect rest, they risk leading from a place of depletion rather than strength.

• Physical burnout – Lack of rest drains energy, weakens the immune system, and leads to long-term health issues.
• Mental fatigue – Decision fatigue and stress cloud judgment, making leadership more reactive than intentional.
• Spiritual dryness – Neglecting rest affects our time with God, making it harder to lead with clarity and conviction.

Biblical Rest as a Leadership Principle
God designed rest as a rhythm for life and leadership.

• Sabbath is a command, not a suggestion – Exodus 20:8 says, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Resting isn’t laziness—it’s obedience.
  
• Jesus modeled rest – He frequently stepped away from the crowds to pray and recharge (Luke 5:16). If Jesus needed rest, so do we.
  
• Rest restores perspective – In 1 Kings 19, Elijah was physically and emotionally drained, but after rest, he was able to hear God’s voice again. Sometimes, clarity comes after we step back.

How to Build Rest into Leadership
Rest doesn’t just happen—we must be intentional.

• Schedule Sabbath and honor it – Block time for rest and renewal. Protect it like any other commitment.
  
• Prioritize sleep and self-care – A leader who rests leads better. Your effectiveness increases when you’re physically and mentally well.
  
• Step away to gain clarity – Take breaks from work, screens, and responsibilities. Time away often brings fresh insight.
  
• Trust God with what you leave undone – Rest is an act of faith, acknowledging that God is in control.

Lead from a Place of Renewal
Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. If we want to be effective for the long haul, we must learn to lead from rest, not exhaustion. The best leaders aren’t the ones who burn out for the cause—they’re the ones who sustain their leadership by trusting God’s design for rest.

Uncertainty is one of the greatest challenges a leader will face. When the path ahead is unclear, decisions become harder, fear creeps in, and the weight of leadership grows heavier. But great leaders don’t panic in uncertainty—they navigate it with faith, wisdom, and a steady hand. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV).

Faith vs. Fear
Uncertainty can paralyze a leader who relies only on their own understanding. The difference between reacting in fear and leading with faith is trusting that God is still in control. Leaders who lean on Him can walk forward with confidence, even when the outcome is unclear. Faith doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it keeps fear from making the decisions.

Making Wise Decisions
Good leadership means making the best decision possible with the information available. That requires:

Seeking God’s wisdom – James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (NIV). Wise leaders pray before they act.

Gathering insights from trusted voices – Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (NIV). Wise leaders listen well.

Being adaptable – Uncertainty requires flexibility. Holding onto a rigid plan can cause more harm than adjusting to new realities.

Stability in the Storm
When things feel chaotic, people look to their leaders for reassurance. Even if you don’t have all the answers, your calm presence brings stability. Jesus modeled this when He calmed the storm in Mark 4:39, saying, “Quiet! Be still!” (NIV). The disciples were panicking, but Jesus remained steady. Leaders who bring peace in the midst of uncertainty create a culture of trust and resilience.

Moving Forward with Confidence
Uncertainty is inevitable, but leadership is about moving forward anyway. Trust in God, seek wisdom, and remain steady. The best leaders aren’t the ones who always have the answers—they’re the ones who know where to turn when they don’t.

Great leaders are both strong and humble. Too much strength without humility leads to arrogance and control. Too much humility without strength results in passivity and indecisiveness. True leadership requires balancing confidence with a servant’s heart, knowing when to stand firm and when to step back. Jesus embodied this perfectly—strong in His convictions yet humble in His approach.

​Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (NIV).

Strength That Serves
Leadership isn’t about dominance—it’s about using strength for the good of others. Jesus was the most powerful leader to ever walk the earth, yet He washed His disciples’ feet. He confronted sin but did so in love. He had the authority of heaven but chose to bear the cross. Strength in leadership isn’t about asserting power—it’s about standing firm in truth while serving those you lead.

The Power of Humility
Humility isn’t weakness—it’s knowing your strengths and using them to elevate others. It’s being teachable, open to feedback, and willing to admit mistakes. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (NIV). Humble leaders recognize that leadership is not about them—it’s about the people they serve and the mission they pursue.

Confidence vs. Humility
The best leaders aren’t afraid to take decisive action, but they also aren’t afraid to say, “I don’t know.” They listen more than they speak. They lead with conviction but remain approachable. Strength and humility don’t compete with each other—they complement each other. A leader secure in their identity doesn’t need to prove their authority; they simply live it out.

Lead with Both
Ask yourself:

• Do I err too much on the side of control, or do I hesitate to lead with strength?
• Am I open to learning and correction?

True leadership isn’t about choosing between strength and humility—it’s about living in the tension of both. Lead with confidence, but let humility shape your impact.

Leadership principles often overlap between the church and the business world—vision, delegation, problem-solving—but the heart of leadership in ministry is fundamentally different. In business, success is measured in profits, growth, and efficiency. In the church, success is measured in faithfulness, discipleship, and transformed lives. The difference isn’t just in structure—it’s in purpose.

Managing vs. Shepherding
A business exists to provide value to customers and generate revenue. A church exists to make disciples and glorify God. That means ministry leaders must prioritize spiritual growth over numerical growth. While tracking attendance, giving, and engagement can be helpful, they should never overshadow the true mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, NIV).

A business leader manages employees; a pastor shepherds people. Employees are expected to meet performance goals, while church members need pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and community. Jesus set this example when He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11, NIV). Leadership in ministry isn’t about directing from the top—it’s about walking alongside people through their faith journeys.

Kingdom Impact and Financial Stewardship
While a business leader’s goal is often profitability, and a pastor’s goal is eternity, these are not mutually exclusive. As a Christian business owner, profit is not a dirty word. Financial success can be a blessing from God when it is stewarded wisely. Proverbs 10:22 reminds us, “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it” (NIV).

Scripture affirms that God can choose to bless us financially, not as a guarantee of faithfulness but as a means to further His Kingdom. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (NIV). The key is to remain faithful stewards, using any success to serve others, support ministry, and honor God.

Christian business owners should approach profit with biblical responsibility, avoiding extremes—neither pursuing wealth as proof of God’s favor nor rejecting it as inherently wrong. Instead, we are called to work diligently, lead with integrity, and use our resources for God’s purposes (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

A business leader’s goal is profitability. A pastor’s goal is eternity. The effects of business decisions may last years, but the impact of ministry lasts forever. Paul reminds us, “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV). This means church leadership must focus on investing in people’s spiritual lives rather than chasing trends or worldly success.

Leadership That Reflects Christ
While there is value in learning from the business world, church leadership must always come back to Christ-centered servanthood. Jesus led not by commanding, but by serving. He washed His disciples’ feet, healed the broken, and sacrificed Himself for the world. That’s the leadership model for the church—not power, but humility; not profit, but people; not strategy, but surrender.

If you’re in ministry leadership, ask yourself:

• Am I leading with a business mindset or a Kingdom mindset?

While organization, strategy, and structure are necessary, our true measure of success is faithfulness to Christ and His mission. Let’s lead in a way that reflects His heart, His purpose, and His love for people.

Words carry weight. The way we phrase things can either build relationships or tear them down. Scripture makes it clear--“The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21, NIV). That’s not just a poetic way of saying words matter; it’s a reality. The way we communicate, especially when we’re frustrated, can either open a door for conversation or shut it down completely.

The Difference Between a Fight and a Conversation
Take these two statements:

• Accusatory: “You didn’t do the dishes.”
• Neutral: “The dishes didn’t get done.”

See the difference? The first one feels like an attack. The second just states a fact. One makes a person defensive, the other makes room for discussion.

James 1:19 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (NIV). The way we phrase things can be the difference between a productive conversation and an unnecessary argument.

A Few More Examples

• Instead of: “You never listen to me.”
  Try: “I don’t feel heard right now.”
  (Why? The first assumes intent. The second expresses a feeling, which makes it easier for the other person to respond with empathy rather than defensiveness.)
• Instead of: “You always forget to text me back.”
  Try: “I didn’t get a text back, and I wasn’t sure if you saw my message.”
  (Why? “Always” and “never” are rarely true and usually just escalate things. The second option states the situation without making accusations.)
• Instead of: “You messed this up.”
  Try: “This didn’t turn out how I expected.”
  (Why? The first one puts all the focus on the person’s failure. The second keeps it about the situation, leaving space for problem-solving rather than blame.)

Speaking with Grace—Like Jesus Did
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV). That’s the standard—words that build up, not tear down.

Jesus modeled this. When Peter denied Him three times, Jesus didn’t come back at him with, “Wow, you really blew it, huh?” Instead, He asked, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17). He gave Peter a way forward rather than rubbing his failure in his face. That’s the kind of communication we should aim for—truth spoken with grace.

How to Make This a Habit
Next time you’re about to bring something up, take a second and ask yourself:

1. Am I assuming bad intent?
2. Does my wording sound like an attack?
3. Am I stating a fact, or am I placing blame?

Choosing words wisely doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. It just means framing them in a way that actually leads to resolution instead of resentment. Proverbs 15:1 nails it: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (NIV).

Let’s be people who speak in a way that brings life, not destruction.

A leader without vision is like a ship without a rudder—drifting aimlessly, uncertain of direction. Casting a compelling vision isn’t just about having big ideas; it’s about painting a picture of a future that others want to be part of. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV)... A clear and inspiring vision doesn’t just guide—it motivates and mobilizes people toward something greater.

Great leaders don’t just see things as they are—they see what could be. Vision requires looking beyond current challenges and imagining a better future. When Nehemiah saw the broken walls of Jerusalem, he didn’t just see destruction—he saw restoration. His vision led people to action, not because of his title, but because of his passion and clarity in communicating what needed to be done. What you see determines where you lead.

Communicating Vision Clearly
At a previous church, I asked the staff if they could recite our mission statement. Some could recall parts of it, a few got close, but no one knew it entirely. The biggest cause of Missional Drift is not knowing the mission. When people don’t know the mission, they can’t fully live it out. Without clarity, people lose focus, and the vision fades. I looked over the current mission statement and the statement of belief and found that everything fell into one of three categories. It was then that I developed the mission statement we use at South Sound Church today:

"We exist to KNOW Christ and to make Him known, GROW disciples who grow disciples, and SHOW the love of Christ to our community and beyond."

A vision that stays in your head won’t inspire anyone. Effective leaders know how to communicate their vision in a way that’s clear, compelling, and actionable. Jesus did this masterfully, using parables and stories to help His followers grasp the Kingdom of God. If people can’t see the vision, they won’t run with it. Keep it simple, keep it vivid, and keep it tied to a purpose greater than yourself.

Motivating Others to Action

A strong vision moves people from intention to action. It’s not just about what could be—it’s about why it matters. When you cast vision, help people see their role in it. Show them how their contributions make a difference. Give them ownership of the process. The most inspiring visions aren’t top-down directives; they’re shared missions.

Whether you’re leading a church, a business, a ministry, or your family, having a clear vision provides direction and purpose. Ask yourself: 

• What future am I working toward?
• Can the people around me see it? 

Vision doesn’t just tell people where to go—it gives them a reason to move. 

At South Sound Church, everyone knows we're all about three things– Know, Grow, and Show.

What’s your vision, and how are you casting it?

Great leadership isn’t about having the right title—it’s about influence, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. Some of the best leaders I’ve known weren’t the ones in charge, but the ones who stepped up, served others, and made an impact where they were. Jesus Himself modeled this kind of leadership. Philippians 2:7 tells us that He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (NIV). True leadership isn’t about position; it’s about action.

Influence Over Position
Some of the most effective leaders don’t have an official title. They lead because people trust them, because they’re consistent, and because they serve selflessly. Think about the people in your life who have shaped you the most. Chances are, they didn’t need a title to lead—they led by example. If you wait until you have a title to start leading, you’re missing the point. Leadership isn’t given; it’s lived out.

Leading by Serving
In the Kingdom of God, leadership looks different than in the world. Jesus flipped the script when He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26, NIV). Leadership isn’t about being first—it’s about putting others first. If you want to lead, start by serving. Look for opportunities to help, encourage, and build up those around you. The best leaders don’t climb over others to reach the top; they lift others up along the way.

Leadership in the Small Things
You don’t need a big stage or a fancy title to make a difference. Leadership happens in the everyday moments—when you show up on time, when you take responsibility, when you do the right thing even when no one’s watching. Luke 16:10 reminds us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (NIV). If you want to be trusted with more, be faithful with what’s in front of you right now.

Lead Where You Are
Don’t wait for a title to start leading. Find ways to serve, to encourage, and to make a difference right where you are. Leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about responsibility. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just yourself, take ownership of the impact you have.

​If you lead well in the small things, greater opportunities will come.

Great leaders never stop learning. The moment we believe we’ve arrived is the moment we begin to decline. Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about staying teachable, growing in wisdom, and adapting to new challenges. Proverbs 1:5 says, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (NIV). Learning is a lifelong pursuit, and leaders who embrace it set themselves apart.

In the Church of the Nazarene, we take lifelong learning seriously. Our denomination requires Lifelong Learning Hours for pastors and ministry leaders, providing many opportunities for continued growth. Whether through courses, workshops, or personal study, we are encouraged to pursue ongoing education and development.

Learn from Experience
Some of the greatest lessons don’t come from books or conferences—they come from life itself. I’ve learned more through failures, challenges, and unexpected situations than I ever could in a classroom. Real learning happens when we reflect on our experiences, seek feedback, and apply what we’ve gained to the next challenge. The best leaders aren’t just knowledgeable; they’re adaptable and willing to learn from every situation.

Surrounded by Growth
You can tell a lot about a leader by the people they surround themselves with. Are they people who challenge, inspire, and push for growth? Or are they content with stagnation? That’s why I intentionally keep myself connected with accountability partners and mentors who encourage my spiritual and personal growth. Reading through the Bible in a Year with others keeps me grounded in Scripture and reminds me that no matter how much I think I know, God always has more to teach me.

Thinking You’ve Arrived?
The moment a leader stops learning is the moment they stop leading effectively. Leaders who assume they know it all will eventually find themselves outpaced by those who remain curious, humble, and open to growth. Philippians 3:12 reminds us, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (NIV). Even Paul, one of the greatest leaders in history, recognized that he was still growing. If he wasn’t done learning, neither are we.

Commit to Growth

• What are you doing right now to grow as a leader?
• Are you reading, learning from others, and allowing God to stretch you? 

Take some time this week to identify one area where you need to grow and make a plan to develop it. Whether it’s reading a book, seeking out a mentor, or reflecting on a recent challenge, commit to learning.

​Leaders who keep growing are the ones who leave a lasting impact.

Integrity isn’t just about doing the right thing when people are watching—it’s about who you are when no one’s around. Leaders with integrity build trust, credibility, and strong teams. Without it, everything else crumbles. Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV). Integrity provides security—it ensures that our leadership isn’t built on a shaky foundation.

Caught Not Taught
When my family first moved to Tumwater, WA, as I started my new job as Youth Pastor of a local church, we attended a family carnival event in the Children's area. We hadn’t had breakfast before church and had planned to go to lunch afterward, so we were all running on empty. They offered simple lunches—hotdog, chips, and soda—but the church wasn’t set up to take card payments, and I didn’t have any cash on me.

I asked the volunteer taking money if I could pay later, and she said, “Being as you’re the new Youth Pastor, we can probably trust you.” Before I could respond, my 11-year-old daughter spoke up sternly: “If my dad says he's going to pay you later, he'll pay you later. My dad doesn’t lie!” Her words hit me hard because they reminded me of something important—integrity isn’t something we teach with words alone; it’s something we model through our actions. I had never sat my daughter down and told her I was a man of integrity, but she had seen it in my daily life. She knew it to be true because she had witnessed it firsthand.

Walking the Walk
Throughout my life, I’ve seen leaders who demand high standards from others but fail to meet those standards themselves. That’s not real leadership. I’ve learned that integrity means holding myself accountable to the same principles I expect from others. That’s why I intentionally surround myself with accountability partners, including those who are joining me in reading through the Bible in a Year. It’s easy to tell others to be in the Word daily—it’s another thing to live it out and let Scripture shape my leadership.

Integrity isn’t just about big moments—it’s about small, everyday decisions. It’s about showing up when you say you will, following through on promises, and choosing honesty even when it’s inconvenient. If we cut corners in the little things, we’ll eventually compromise in the big things.

The Call to Live with Integrity
James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (NIV). Leadership with integrity isn’t just about knowing what’s right—it’s about living it. If we expect others to trust us, we must first prove that we are trustworthy.

So ask yourself:

• Am I the same person in private that I am in public?
  
• Do my actions reflect the values I claim to hold?
  

The answer to these questions will determine the kind of leader you are becoming.

Leading Yourself First
Leadership isn’t about barking orders from the sidelines. It starts with self-discipline, setting the example, and proving to yourself and others that you can do the work before expecting it from them. One of the quickest ways to lose credibility as a leader is to adopt a “Do as I say, not as I do” mentality. True leadership begins with leading yourself well—physically, mentally, and ethically.

As part of my own self-leadership journey, some accountability partners and I have begun reading through the Bible in a Year. I’ve often encouraged others to be in the Word daily, and this commitment helps me practice the same spiritual discipline while adding a layer of accountability.

Setting the Standard
I’ve been a martial artist my whole life, and one of the core principles of our Kenpo system is that we never ask a lower belt to do something we aren’t willing to do ourselves. That requires personal discipline and a commitment to self-leadership. When a white or yellow belt struggled with conditioning, I’d drop and do 100 push-ups right alongside them. Not only did it prove I wouldn’t ask them to do anything I couldn’t do, but it also helped them realize they were capable of more than they believed. When they saw me doing it, they found the strength to push through.

A similar thing happened when I was coaching 8th grade football. During conditioning, I called out the team for sandbagging—holding back instead of pushing themselves. One player, feeling bold, shot back, “I don’t see you running, Coach!” Instead of just reinforcing authority, I led by example. I told the team that he and I would race. If he won, conditioning was over for the day. If I won, they were running wind sprints. Let’s just say those wind sprints happened—and I believe they made us better as a team. That year, we took first place, not just because of talent, but because of discipline and a leadership mindset that started with me.

The Biblical Model of Self-Leadership
People follow leaders who are willing to put in the work alongside them. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (NIV). That’s the model—leading by doing. Jesus didn’t just tell His disciples what to do; He lived it out in front of them. He withdrew for prayer, fasted, and showed discipline in every aspect of His life. If we want to lead others well, we have to lead ourselves first.

My commitment to daily Bible reading is another example of this. If I encourage others to be in the Word, I need to be doing it myself. Engaging with Scripture consistently strengthens my leadership and ensures that my guidance is rooted in truth.

Challenge: Master Yourself Before Leading Others
As leaders, whether in ministry, business, or life, self-leadership is the foundation for everything else. Our people shouldn’t just hear what we expect; they should see it in how we live. When you hold yourself to the same standards you expect from others, your leadership becomes authentic and powerful. So the next time you set expectations, ask yourself—am I leading myself first in the same way I expect others to follow?