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.