Before we jump in…
If you are a student of leadership and work in a church setting, be sure to pick up my latest book, The Ministry MBA: 10 Practical Courses To Lead A Thriving Church.
Let’s get started…
Why Like-Minded People Can Hold You Back
Ever noticed how comforting it is to be around people who think and act just like you? They “get” you, they’re easy to talk to, and they tend to reinforce your ideas. But here’s the truth: that comfort zone is actually a trap. When everyone around you shares the same perspective, where’s the room for growth? If we’re not careful, we might end up with a well-insulated echo chamber instead of a dynamic team that drives us forward.
Why Lincoln Got It Right
Take a page from Abraham Lincoln’s playbook. Rather than surrounding himself with friends or yes-men, Lincoln chose a cabinet made up of his political rivals. He understood the value of hearing viewpoints that challenged his own. If he hadn’t, his leadership during the Civil War might have looked entirely different. Lincoln didn’t just tolerate differing opinions—he sought them out. And while I doubt he looked forward to every argument or critique, he knew those voices made him a better leader.
So, Why Don’t We Do This More Often?
As church leaders, it’s easy to gather a team that mirrors our own personality and convictions. It’s natural to gravitate toward people who think like us, share our background, and (let’s be honest) won’t challenge us too much. It’s a whole lot simpler to lead without friction, right? But simplicity is a luxury we can’t afford if we’re serious about growth and transformation.
Seeking Out People Who Complement, Not Duplicate
When you’re forming your team or seeking advice, don’t look for people who simply echo back your own thoughts. Look for people who complement your weaknesses and bring new perspectives. If you’re a visionary, bring in someone practical who can ask, “How will we do this?” If you’re strong on the relational side but struggle with administration, find that spreadsheet-loving, detail-oriented person who can keep things organized.
And yes, it can feel uncomfortable. But that discomfort is where the magic happens. When we let others challenge us, we’re forced to clarify our own thoughts and expand our understanding.
How to Find These People
1. Be Intentional About Diversity
When I say diversity, I’m talking beyond race or age. Think about personality, skills, and background. Get someone with a different educational background or ministry experience. They’ll likely see things you don’t.
2. Ask the Hard Questions
During meetings, don’t be afraid to invite feedback that you may not like. Consider asking, “What’s missing in my plan?” or “What assumptions am I making here?” The answers may not be comfortable, but they’re invaluable.
3. Cultivate a Culture of Respectful Disagreement
People won’t be honest if they think honesty leads to isolation. Encourage your team to speak up, even when they disagree, and model respectful responses. This signals that the goal is to grow, not just get along.
4. Give Space for the ‘What If’ Thinkers
Sometimes, those who think differently need a little encouragement to voice their ideas. Make it a habit to ask, “What else should we consider?” or “What could go wrong with this plan?”
Your Church Deserves It
As leaders, we aren’t called to take the easy road; we’re called to lead with courage and humility. Surrounding ourselves with people who think differently, act differently, and even challenge us on key decisions might feel like a roadblock. But in reality, it’s a path to growth and maturity. Just like Lincoln, we’re at our best when we invite voices that help us see beyond our own limitations.
So, take a step back and ask yourself: Are you choosing comfort or growth? Who’s in your circle, and how are they shaping you? After all, your leadership—and the people you serve—are worth the effort of building a team that pushes you to be the best leader you can be.
One More Thing…
You’re probably aware of our Church Accelerator Community. All our Partners have unlimited access to our resource section, full of courses, frameworks, supporting documents, and our new Custom AI tools (Sermon Outline Creator, Sermon Evaluator, Small Group Question Writer, and more).
Partnership starts at $149, which gets you about $5,000 in resources. Don’t wait. Become a partner today.
Check out the Strategic Partner and Community Partner options if you’d like personalized coaching for you, a staff member, or your church. I limit the number of these options to maximize my investment in each church and pastor. Let me know if you’re interested.
Leading With You,
Dr. Gavin Adams
