Church Leadership

In my opinion leading people in the church is a lot harder than leading in the corporate world or coaching world. I came from an environment where I was leading a group of players and I could lead like a dictator or kick them off the team and they lose their scholarship. In my opinion same with corporate America. In many ways as a leader in the secular world you can lead with extrinsic motivation and get the job done. I do think that if you want to go above and beyond where anyone thought possible you have to lead your people intrinsically as well. But in the church world there really isn't anything extrinsic you have to motivate people. So, if you are leader in the secular world join a church and lead a ministry full of volunteers. You will have to learn real fast how to lead intrinsically.

5 Reasons the church fosters intrinsic leadership:

1. In the church you are leading all volunteers.
2. There is no paycheck coming for most of them.
3. They don't need your ministry because they could just go down the street.
4. You are fighting to get your volunteers time.
5. Most of ministry is a praiseless job. (you might get praise from a few but most people in ministry are not famous)


Here are some lessons I have learned on leading intrinsically.

1. Find out what inspires those you are leading.
2. Give the people you are leading a clear and compelling vision that inspires them.
3. Be transparent with those you are leading. People don't want to follow someone who is fake.
4. Have Moral Authority. Do what you say you are going to do and be willing to do what you ask those you are leading to do.
5. Spend time with the people you are leading. Laugh with them, Cry with them, and be there friend. If they know that you are there for them they will be there for you.
6. Empower them in their gifting. Find out what their gifts, talents, and dreams are and help them utilize those things.
7. Give those you are leading ownership. You do this by letting your vision come from them. Sit down with them over coffee, food, in their home, and anywhere outside your office. This doesn't mean they set the vision. You influence them and let your vision come from them. This will only happen when you share your heart and spend time with the ones you are leading.
8. Give those you are leading your time. Those that directly work for you should be your priority.
9. Communicate stories of success relating to your vision.
10. Empower those you lead to find someone who they can multiply themselves into.