I remember hearing Paul Chitwood pass along leadership advice he had received from General Colin Powell, who advised leaders to do their job, take care of their troops and not worry about their next job. That is great advice for all leaders.
Another tidbit of leadership advice involved Kentucky Baptist associational leader Rick Reeder and his conversation with Independent Baptist megachurch pastor John Rawlings. When Rick asked for advice from the seasoned minister, Rawlings stood to his feet and said one word, “Work!” The message was not missed by Rick.
On a lighter note, I was given advice before heading off to seminary when an older pastor said, “I don’t care what they teach you at that seminary, but don’t let them teach you to adjust the thermostat in the church.” To this day when I see a pastor adjusting the thermostat in the church, I think to myself that he is in dangerous territory.
If I was asked to share my best leadership advice, this is what it would be:
1. Work hard: You may not be the most talented pastor, elder or ministry leader that has occupied your seat, but you can be a hard worker. Some of us must make up in work ethic what we lack in talent and natural abilities. Hard workers do a little more than others, and they see the payoff. Proverbs 10:4 reminds us, “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Proverbs 14:23 adds this counsel; “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
Working hard means setting goals, pursuing biblical priorities and doing our work with all our heart as if we are doing it for Christ himself (Colossians 3:23). Working hard means paying attention to those we are called to serve and taking seriously the job God has given us. Laziness and slackness in our work brings shame on the ministry, but diligent work honors Christ and His people.
Hard work is a good practice for pastors and ministry leaders. Those we serve work hard and financially support our ministries. It honors God, and them, when we work hard as well.
2. Be faithful: 1 Corinthians 4:2 reminds pastors, elders and ministry leaders what is required for them: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Every ministry leader must do three things: advance the mission, care for people and address problems. God doesn’t call us to be successful — He gives success and favor. God calls us to be faithful. We must each get up and do the job day by day and do it for the glory of God and for the good of people.
Being faithful includes using the gifts and skills God has entrusted to us. It also means being faithful to the assignment God gave us and to the people God has called us to lead. It also means being a faithful husband, a faithful father, a faithful follower of Jesus and being faithful to the Great Commission. We will be judged by our faithfulness, not by our success.
3. Don’t worry about your name: When pastors, elders and ministry leaders set out to make a name for themselves, bad things tend to happen. These leaders begin to worry more about their image and reputation than about the assignment God has given them. How much better it is to work hard, stay faithful and trust God with your reputation. Genesis 12:2 teaches that God promised to give Abraham a great name, and we can trust Him with the kind of name we leave behind as well.
May the Lord be pleased to use us for His purposes and may God continue to shape us into the ministry leaders He calls us to be.
