Lead Like It Matters

1. "It" is an intangible quality that successful ministries possess

Some ministries have it. Some don't.

Defining "it". "It" is a mysterious, God-given quality that sets certain ministries apart. It's characterized by passion, energy, and effectiveness in reaching people and changing lives. Churches with "it" experience rapid growth, high engagement, and a tangible sense of God's presence.

Recognizing "it". While difficult to define, "it" is unmistakable when present. Signs include:

• Enthusiastic and committed congregation
• Constant influx of new believers
• Powerful worship experiences
• Innovative and impactful outreach programs
• A sense of excitement and anticipation among members

Seeking "it". While "it" is ultimately a gift from God, leaders can position themselves to receive it by cultivating the right mindset, practices, and environment within their ministry.

2. Vision is essential for creating and maintaining "it"

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Defining vision. A clear, compelling vision provides direction and purpose for a ministry. It answers the question, "Where are we going and why?" A powerful vision:

• Aligns the efforts of leaders and members
• Inspires sacrifice and commitment
• Provides a framework for decision-making

Communicating vision. Effective leaders consistently and passionately share their vision:

• Through sermons, teachings, and personal conversations
• In written materials and digital media
• By celebrating stories that embody the vision in action

Living the vision. For vision to have impact, it must be more than words. Leaders must model commitment to the vision through their actions, decisions, and priorities.

3. Divine focus requires saying no to distractions

To be great at a few things and experience it, you have to say no to many things.

Prioritizing essentials. Ministries with "it" maintain laser focus on their core mission and values. This often means:

• Eliminating programs or activities that don't directly support the vision
• Saying no to good opportunities to preserve energy for great ones
• Regularly evaluating and refining ministry priorities

Resisting mission drift. As ministries grow, there's a temptation to expand into new areas. Maintaining divine focus requires:

• Clearly defining what the ministry will and won't do
• Empowering leaders to protect the mission
• Regularly communicating core priorities to the congregation

Embracing simplicity. Focused ministries often find that doing fewer things with excellence is more impactful than trying to do everything.

4. Unmistakable camaraderie fosters "it" within a team

Those who have it enjoy it together.

Building authentic relationships. Strong, genuine connections among team members create an environment where "it" can thrive. This involves:

• Prioritizing time for team bonding and shared experiences
• Encouraging vulnerability and open communication
• Celebrating personal and professional milestones together

Creating a unified culture. Teams with "it" share a common language, inside jokes, and a sense of shared purpose that goes beyond mere professionalism. This culture:

• Attracts and retains top talent
• Increases creativity and collaboration
• Makes the work environment energizing and fun

Extending camaraderie to the congregation. The sense of unity and enthusiasm among leaders often spreads to the wider church community, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for all.

5. Innovative thinking drives growth and adaptation

Leaders with it do more than just think of new ideas; they actually do the new ideas.

Cultivating creativity. Ministries with "it" foster an environment where new ideas are welcomed and explored. This involves:

• Encouraging brainstorming and out-of-the-box thinking
• Providing resources for experimentation
• Celebrating creative solutions, even when they don't succeed

Embracing change. Innovative ministries recognize that methods must evolve to remain effective. They:

• Stay attuned to cultural shifts and emerging needs
• Regularly evaluate and update their approaches
• Are willing to let go of outdated practices, even if they were once successful

Balancing innovation and tradition. While embracing new ideas, ministries with "it" also honor their core values and theological foundations, ensuring that innovation serves the mission rather than diluting it.

6. Willingness to fail is crucial for achieving "it"

Failure is not an option. It is essential.

Reframing failure. Ministries with "it" view failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. They:

• Encourage calculated risks and bold initiatives
• Create a culture where honest mistakes are not punished
• Use failures as catalysts for growth and improvement

Learning from setbacks. Effective leaders analyze failures to extract valuable lessons. This involves:

• Conducting thorough post-mortems on unsuccessful projects
• Sharing insights gained from failures with the wider team
• Applying lessons learned to future endeavors

Modeling resilience. When leaders demonstrate the ability to bounce back from failures, it inspires confidence and courage throughout the organization.

7. Outward focus on serving others sustains "it"

Churches that have it care for each other and for people who are far from God.

Prioritizing outreach. Ministries with "it" maintain a strong focus on serving those outside their walls. This includes:

• Developing programs that meet community needs
• Training members in evangelism and service
• Allocating significant resources to outreach efforts

Cultivating compassion. Leaders foster a culture where every member feels responsible for showing God's love to others. This involves:

• Regularly sharing stories of lives changed through service
• Providing diverse opportunities for involvement in outreach
• Celebrating and affirming acts of kindness and generosity

Balancing internal and external ministry. While maintaining a strong outward focus, healthy ministries also ensure that the needs of their members are met, creating a sustainable cycle of receiving and giving.

8. Kingdom-mindedness promotes collaboration over competition

A kingdom-minded ministry is generous and eager to partner with others to get more done for the glory of God.

Shifting perspective. Kingdom-minded leaders view other churches and ministries as allies rather than competitors. This involves:

• Celebrating the successes of other ministries
• Seeking opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing
• Avoiding criticism or negative comparisons with other churches

Generous sharing. Ministries with "it" freely share their resources, knowledge, and best practices. This can include:

• Offering training and mentorship to other church leaders
• Providing free or low-cost access to ministry materials
• Participating in collaborative community initiatives

Fostering unity. Kingdom-minded ministries actively work to build bridges and promote unity within the broader Christian community, recognizing that a united church is more effective in its mission.

9. Mindset matters more than model in cultivating "it"

It's not the model; it's the mindset.

Focusing on principles over practices. Effective leaders recognize that specific ministry models or methods are less important than the underlying principles and attitudes. They:

• Adapt strategies to fit their unique context and calling
• Avoid simply copying successful models from other churches
• Regularly evaluate whether their practices align with core values

Cultivating a growth mindset. Leaders with "it" maintain a posture of continuous learning and improvement. This involves:

• Seeking feedback and being open to constructive criticism
• Regularly exposing themselves to new ideas and perspectives
• Encouraging experimentation and calculated risk-taking

Emphasizing character over technique. While skills and strategies are important, ministries with "it" prioritize developing the character and spiritual maturity of their leaders and members.

10. Systems empower and sustain "it" in an organization

Churches that have it create the systems that sustain it.

Developing intentional processes. Effective ministries create systems that reinforce their values and facilitate their mission. These may include:

• Clear onboarding and training processes for new members and leaders
• Streamlined decision-making and communication channels
• Consistent follow-up and discipleship pathways

Balancing structure and flexibility. Good systems provide a framework for consistency while allowing room for creativity and adaptation. Leaders should:

• Regularly review and refine systems to ensure they remain effective
• Empower team members to suggest improvements to existing processes
• Ensure that systems serve the mission rather than becoming an end in themselves

Leveraging technology. Modern ministries often use digital tools and platforms to enhance their systems, improving efficiency and expanding their reach.

11. Centered leadership is key to inspiring others and maintaining "it"

The centered leader who has it leads with a quiet and assured calm.

Cultivating inner stability. Centered leaders maintain a strong sense of identity and purpose rooted in their relationship with God. This involves:

• Prioritizing personal spiritual disciplines
• Regularly seeking honest feedback and self-reflection
• Maintaining healthy boundaries and work-life balance

Providing consistent direction. Centered leaders offer a steady, reliable presence that inspires confidence in their team. They:

• Communicate clearly and consistently
• Follow through on commitments
• Remain calm and focused during challenges or crises

Empowering others. Centered leaders create an environment where others can thrive and develop their own leadership abilities. This includes:

• Delegating responsibility and authority
• Providing mentorship and growth opportunities
• Celebrating the successes of team members

12. Keeping "it" requires constant vigilance and spiritual renewal

If you want your ministry to have it, you must have it.

Maintaining personal passion. Leaders must continually nurture their own spiritual vitality to sustain "it" in their ministry. This involves:

• Regular times of prayer, worship, and Bible study
• Seeking accountability and spiritual mentorship
• Taking intentional breaks for rest and renewal

Guarding against complacency. Success can breed a dangerous sense of self-sufficiency. Leaders must:

• Regularly evaluate their motives and priorities
• Remain humble and dependent on God's guidance
• Stay connected to the needs and experiences of those they serve

Cultivating a culture of renewal. Effective leaders create opportunities for their entire team and congregation to experience spiritual refreshment and reconnection with their sense of purpose and calling.

Last updated: October 10, 2024