THE MINISTRY MBA

10 Practical Courses to Lead a Thriving Church

You Can’t Be Great at Everything: 8 Steps to Raise Your Church Leadership Quotient

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THE MINISTRY MBA

10 Practical Courses to
Lead a Thriving Church

What’s working well in your church? Where are you facing challenges?

Don’t take this personally, but I suspect the challenges are mostly in spaces where you struggle as a leader.

No Leader is Perfect (Not Even You)

Every leader has strengths—but no leader is great at everything. I was a lead pastor for over 13 years and have served in other church and marketplace leadership roles. It didn’t take long to realize that my leadership strengths couldn’t address every organizational need.

This is a core challenge of leadership at any level, but it’s especially true in the church.

The Unique Challenges of Church Leadership

Think of everything that church leadership requires. Church leaders face the same pressures as CEOs or executives, with the added expectations to be excellent teachers, compassionate friends, and exceptional planners. Pastors must “be all things to all people” inside and outside the church.

“Good luck with all of that,” as Jerry Seinfeld would say.

The Greatest Gap for Most Church Leaders

When I entered professional ministry, I brought a marketing degree, an MBA, and a decade of marketplace leadership experience. I didn’t have a seminary degree—yet my organizational leadership experience proved more helpful. If that rubs you the wrong way, hang with me.

While I could study commentaries to fill in my theological gaps, no book could handle making difficult decisions, managing conflict, or aligning resources and budgets.

Eventually, I went to seminary and got a doctorate, but if all I had were Bible degrees, I’d have been unprepared for the complexities of church leadership.

It’s Time to Raise Your Church Leadership Quotient

The mission of your local church is the most important in your community. However, a mission alone can’t come to fruition without effective leadership, management, and strategy.

Here are eight steps you can take to grow in church leadership, strengthen your team, and increase your church’s impact.

8 Steps to Raise Your Church Leadership Quotient

1. Identify Your Leadership Strengths and Weaknesses
    • Action Step: Reflect on past situations where you felt confident versus areas you tend to avoid.
    • Outcome: Gain awareness of areas where you may need extra support.

Note: I just launched a Church Leadership Assessment to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Take the assessment, and I’ll send you a free Ministry MBA Course Workbook.

2. Surround Yourself with a Diverse Team
    • Action Step: Build a team that complements your skills. Be intentional about inviting diverse perspectives, especially in areas needing support.
    • Outcome: A balanced team where unique strengths enhance ministry.

This team can include staff, volunteers, and others in your leadership circle who can balance your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Invest in Leadership and Management Training
    • Action Step: Seek courses, conferences, or mentors that focus on practical skills for church leadership. Don’t shy away from secular management resources.
    • Outcome: Equip yourself with skills beyond theological education to lead effectively.

Note: Every leader needs a growth plan. This is why I serve as a leadership coach and strategist for churches.

4. Establish Clear Priorities and Delegate
    • Action Step: Focus on the highest-impact areas and delegate other tasks. Form teams or assign budget responsibilities to those with expertise.
    • Outcome: Effective delegation empowers others and frees you to lead strategically.

Note: Every Church Accelerator Partner has access to the Leadership Toolbox Course, which includes a delegation framework.

5. Create Accountability Structures
    • Action Step: Set up regular check-ins with trusted advisors or fellow leaders to discuss progress, challenges, and goals.
    • Outcome: Accountability encourages growth and helps address areas needing development.
6. Implement a Strategic Planning Process
    • Action Step: Dedicate time annually to strategic planning and setting ministry goals. Involve your team in evaluating successes and areas for growth.
    • Outcome: A clear roadmap that aligns church activities with your mission.

Note: If you’re unsure how to lead a planning process, bring in someone like me to facilitate.

7. Learn from Leaders Outside Your Church Context
    • Action Step: Connect with leaders from other churches or even different industries. Learn from diverse perspectives to avoid echo chambers.
    • Outcome: Fresh ideas and a broadened perspective for your leadership approach.
8. Prioritize Self-Care and Rest
    • Action Step: Schedule regular time off, pursue hobbies, and nurture relationships outside of church.
    • Outcome: Increased resilience and clarity to sustain long-term leadership.

Wrapping Up…

Leadership in the church is no small task. As pastors and ministry leaders, we’re called to balance the heart of ministry with the demands of management. It’s a challenging balance. But remember, you don’t have to be all things to all people alone. By embracing your strengths, recognizing your limitations, and leaning on your team and resources, you’re equipping yourself—and your church—for a stronger future.

Your church’s mission is worth the effort. Raising your leadership quotient is one of the most impactful steps you can take to build up your church and the Body of Christ.

While We’re Talking…

You’ve probably heard about my new book, The Ministry MBA: 10 Practical Courses To Lead A Thriving Church.

I created some highly practical Bonus Materials and a Companion Podcast. Check them out today.

Also, you should join the 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 are interested.

Leading With You,
Dr. Gavin Adams

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