5 Things Every Christian Leader Must Do

For a first-time Christian leader, or an experienced leader ready for the next level, here are five things every Christian leader must do.

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When we take those first steps as a Christian leader, we are sometimes unsure what to do next.  Someone saw something in us, others started following, and then, suddenly, people are looking to us for decisions and direction.

It can be overwhelming at first. The desire of our heart is to honor God in all that we do, including in our leadership. We want to see progress in the projects and ministries we are leading. And we’d love to watch the people we are leading grow in their faith and confidence.

That’s a whole lot of expectations we have put on ourselves.  Not unreasonable expectations, just a lot of them. So if you are a first-time Christian leader, or even an experienced Christian leader looking to take your leadership to the next level, here are the things every Christian leader must do.

Christian Leaders Must Pray

Gosh, I know that sounds obvious. Good Christians know that prayer is important in all we do, right?

I know from experience … in the busyness of our to-do lists and projects, it is easy to forget that God is interested in all the day-to-day decisions we need to make.  He longs to walk with us on this sometimes lonely journey and provide direction, encouragement and affirming peace.

What does your leadership prayer list look like?  Are you seeking God’s vision for your ministry?  Are you praying for your volunteers and others who support you?  Are you measuring every decision against His standards and principles?

Christian Leaders Must Read and Learn

Even for people with natural leadership tendencies, we get to the end of our own abilities real fast. Constantly growing as a leader shows your commitment to bringing your best to the team.  It fills you up with new ideas and fresh inspiration.  When I get weary from the responsibilities of leadership, learning something new always sparks my interest and motivation.

Reading is one of the easiest ways to learn as a Christian leader.  Be sure to read solid books on leadership, but also seek out instructional books on your specific area of leadership to stay on top of the current trends.

Here are my favorite books for Christian leaders:

Strengths Based Leadership by Tom Rath – StrengthsFinder is my favorite assessment to understand myself and my team better.  In this version of Gallup’s classic assessment, you’ll learn how to use your strengths specifically as a leader, and how to lead your team based on their strengths.  I love giving this books as a gift to my team members.
The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership: The Power of Leading from Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength by Jenni Catron – Sometimes we try to lead by bringing only our mind … what we know, our expertise … to the role. Based on the Great Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” this book reminds us to be truly effective as leaders, we need to bring our whole selves, just as God created us.
7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley – For practical guidance in leading a ministry, it doesn’t get much better than this. From knowing what it means to “win” in your ministry to learning to build the right team, there are seven strategic principles that when put into play will bring focus and clarity to everything you do and turn your ministry into a winning team.
Join me over on Instagram for my Read A New Thing book club … the easiest book club you’ve ever been part of.  Learn more here

Christian Leaders Must Have  A Mentor

Of all the things on this list, this one has made the greatest difference in my own leadership journey.  I have been blessed to serve under strong leaders who have modeled what it means to be a Christian leader, and have poured into me personally, spiritually and as a leader.

I’ve noticed recently that modern mentorship is a little different.  It still involves a wise, experienced leader bringing along someone with less experience. But modern mentor relationships are more of a two-way street.  The less experienced leader brings fresh enthusiasm and sensitivity to current trends that are invaluable to the experienced leader.

Christian Leaders Must Honor Their Team and Followers

The people who serve and follow our ministries deserve to see us at our best. We have a responsibility to show up for meetings prepared, keep our commitments, and provide clear, specific direction and expectations.  Of course, there is always grace for special circumstances, but honoring our team and followers means they can count on us.

We also honor them by letting them shine on their own and celebrating their achievements.  I love sharing when members of the Do A New Thing community meet one of their goals or completes a project.

Christian Leaders Must Find a  Community

There is no doubt that leadership is lonely.  Those outside the leadership circle don’t understand the weight of responsibility, especially when eternal life is at stake. We need each other for encouragement and a place to go where people say, “I hear ya, girl.”

Our leadership community also gives us a safe place to struggle through the hard places and disappointments. I know I would have quit a hundred times without my close community picking me up, dusting me off and setting me on a positive path.  My two favorite free communities for Christian women leaders are Ministry Chick and Purposeful Leadership. And if you are looking for a close, mastermind community, consider the Honor Circle.

Christian leadership is both a gift and a burden.  A joyful journey and a hard slog.  Following these five principles will make you a better leader in the good times and help you weather the storms of the tough times.

What are your top “must do’s” for Christian leaders?  Have any of these been helpful to you in your leadership?


Tired from trying to share your God-inspired message while working your full time job?

Do you wonder if it’s worth it, or even possible, to build a ministry or business on the side?

I have good news for you. It is possible. It is worth it. You can do it.

That’s why I’m glad to share with you the four-part Honor System, to help you honor all the work God has given you to do. These are the hard-earned lessons I’ve taken away from chasing after my dreams and maintaining the career that supports my family.

Grab it here!

14 thoughts on “5 Things Every Christian Leader Must Do”

  1. Excellent tips. I remember our pastor in Hawaii being very intentional about meeting with a group of pastors regularly for accountability and encouragement. It’s important not to operate in a vacuum. Love the inclusion of reading resources as well, Christa.

    Reply
  2. These are all excellent tips, Christa. I’m glad you started with prayer. Even if we’re doing all the others you’ve suggested, without prayer, we’re missing out! Prayer reminds us we need God’s help. It keeps us humble and dependent on His Spirit instead of our own strength. So important!

    Reply
  3. So good! Thank you for sharing your insights. I agree with all 5 points! I love that you included community. I think it’s incredibly important that leaders have people to lean on when they need support.

    Reply
  4. This was very encouraging. I serve in a leadership position with my husband and in other ways in women’s ministry. I also disciple young adult women. Some days it is very weary and it is extremely lonely. I loved the points you made here. I am pinning this one to go back to.

    Reply

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