One of the most difficult leadership roles is a church leader. In fact, church leadership ranks as number five out of nine on Forbes for toughest leadership positions.
Of course, this doesn’t mean church leaders don’t love their jobs. Whether they’re being paid or they’re volunteering, being a leader in a church is fulfilling.
From the outside, it might not seem quite so hard, but it’s important to think about all the responsibilities and how different church leaders are from other types of leaders.
Leaders Aren’t Perfect
Most people don’t expect leaders to be absolutely perfect, but when it comes to church leaders, every action is scrutinized. It’s important for church members to remember that church leaders aren’t perfect. They’re sinners just like everyone else. However, they face the pressure to be perfect all the time. The best way to prevent this is to go ahead and talk about your flaws and mistakes. It makes you easier to relate to and shows members that it’s okay to make mistakes in life.
Leading By Example Is Your Only Option
In most cases, church leaders are leading people who aren’t getting paid. You’re working with volunteers who have the option to just quit without consequence if they don’t want to do the job. It’s up to church leaders to motivate and encourage members to volunteer and give their all. The only way to do this is to lead by example. Even when you don’t feel motivated yourself, it’s up to you to still find ways to motivate your members and volunteers.
Finding Enough Time Is Difficult
As with any leadership role, finding enough time to devote to all your various responsibilities is hard. Church leaders don’t just work on Sundays. You have to attend meetings throughout the week, visit members at hospitals and their homes, coordinate with volunteers and do work in the community. This is why it’s so important for leaders to not micromanage. By leading and guiding volunteers, you’re able to let them take on much of the extra work and avoid burning out.
Every Member Wants Something Different
It’d be great if all your church members were on the same page, but most of the time everyone wants something different. Members might disagree on music choices, preaching styles, volunteer opportunities, community events and more. It’s up to church leaders to try and find the perfect compromises. That alone is a seemingly impossible task. However, finding ways to engage members helps make compromising much easier. Remember that you can’t please everyone and you shouldn’t feel bad if some members aren’t satisfied.
Sometimes It’s A Thankless Job
It’s not that your church family isn’t thankful for all that you do. However, they might not always say it. In a job that’s as hard as church leadership, you need words of thanks and encouragement. After all, church leaders need motivation too. One of the best ways to feel like you’re appreciated is to show appreciation to your members and volunteers. Of course, it’s also important to look at all the positive ways you’re helping to change your community and your members’ lives.
Adapting To Changes Isn’t Easy
Most people aren’t thrilled with change, but it’s crucial for keeping a church growing and thriving. Church leaders are the ones who have to make the final choice about changes, such as building a digital presence or adding more modern elements to services. Long before you present changes to members, you have to adapt to them. It’s not easy to change the way you’ve always done things.
Remember that change is a good thing. When leadership is positive about change and is able to embrace it, it’s much easier for members to embrace change too. The result is a church that continues to adapt and bring in new members. While change might be hard, the benefits make it worth it.
Church leadership is hard, but there are ways to make your job easier. Contact Reach Right Studios today to learn how an online presence helps you connect better with current and future members.
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