When you first start out in ministry, chances are you are reporting to someone who has tenure such as the senior pastor or a church board. You may not always agree with their ideas, but there is a healthy way to lead from behind. In Unwelcome: 50 Ways Churches Drive Away First-Time Visitors, Jonathan Malm shares his experience when it comes to taking interest in others in order to gain respect to influence future decisions. Check it out in this quick video:
If you want people to listen to your ideas, it starts with humility. People aren’t going to listen to your ideas until you listen to theirs.
It’s crucial to invest in others so that they will respect you in the future. Consider it a future investment.
There will be times in your ministry when someone in a leadership position has an idea you may not agree with. So rather than shooting them down like an enemy drone, try asking them the following questions first:
- What are you trying to accomplish?
- What is your heart behind this idea?
This method will not only help you come across as more understanding, but also perhaps enlighten you on something you may not have thought about. Together, your ideas combined with that of others can really energize your team.
How have you handled leading from behind in your ministry?
More:
- Watch the full hangout video with Jonathan Malm and Dave Shrein for more church visitor insights.
- Grab a copy of Unwelcome: 50 Ways Churches Drive Away First-Time Visitors.
- What do you do when a pastor pulls rank? Four tips to help you out.
- Learn more about how your church can welcome visitors.
Eric Dye
March 6, 2015
Jonathan…awesome as usual. :P