One of the things that has surprised me most over the years is how little we put Faith at the center of our church planter training. Yes, faith is a part of the culture, and it is always “assumed”, but there is not always a lot of training on how to lead with Faith and pass on that Faith to the next generation.
In my podcast a few years ago, I discussed five aspects of leading with Faith that every planter needs to build into their church.
#1: Faithful Leaders Exhibit God’s Power & Presence
The weak and faithless leader intimidates and demands obedience based on their title as “pastor.” The strong leader is trusted because people see God in his gentle demeanor and loving service.
#2: Faithful Leaders Are Really Dead Man Walking
Funny how some “pastors” have plenty of time for traveling, writing books, and speaking at conferences, but they delegate the “lesser” tasks of hospital visits, discipling the young in the faith, or counseling the broken-hearted.
Church planters, we are called to die to self and live for the Churches we plant. Influential leaders know that their power comes from their status as a child of eternity, not their status among other leaders.
#3: Faithful Leaders Have Dangerous Thinking
There is nothing safe about biblical leadership. God’s leaders are willing to sacrifice comfort, wealth, and status for the sake of the Gospel and the purpose of the Church.
#4: Faithful Leaders Follow God’s Vision, Not Man’s Opinion
The church is enamored with pastors who can create and cast vision. There is no end to the books and conferences that encourage leaders to model the “big church” leaders by developing their own unique “brand.” The truth is, we don’t need to have a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal” to be a church planter. Why? Because God has already provided the only dream we require: the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
#5: Faithful Leaders Know That Success Comes From The Soul
Ultimately, the greatest leaders are the ones who lead from the inside out. Leaders don’t point the way others must go; they walk the path and ask others to follow. Leadership is merely mature discipleship, not a special category or job description. Planters… be a role model of maturity and help others grow into the fullness of Faith!
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