Jesus launched the Church. It was messy, and led by flawed leaders.
The early church began in a time where the culture was shifting, political and religious leaders didn’t agree, and the fledging churches had their own internal problems. (Sound familiar?)
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
Acts 6:1
- It can be tough listening to complaints about the things people don’t like.
- It can be discouraging when people leave your church for the next new cool church across town.
- It can be frustrating when after years some people still consume more than they contribute.
This is part of life and leadership in the local church; therefore, it’s better for us who lead to adjust our perspective to lead more effectively.
This doesn’t suggest that you should stop caring or should just go with the flow. It means do your best to not let these things get to you. Keep your eyes on the vision.
The fact that churches are messy and flawed is not an excuse, it’s a reality. We must still do our best to live with good character and lead in the best interests of others.
The fact that all churches are imperfect does not justify lack of vision, casual leadership, or sloppy programs. It’s merely a truth to remind us that solving problems and making progress is core to our leadership.
If successfully leading a local church was easy, nearly anyone could do it. There would be no need to develop yourself to lead better. But it is not easy, so I want to say thank you for staying in the game and giving it your all. What you do matters.
5 Considerations for Leading in an Imperfect Church:
1) Always see the church as beautiful in all its flaws.
It is wise for us to see the church through the Jesus’ eyes.
I appreciate a nicely landscaped yard, and growing up in San Diego I became accustomed to seeing green grass and trees with leaves all year round. That’s not the case in Atlanta. The grass goes dormant, the leaves fall off, and most bushes and flowers don’t look as vibrant in the winter.
A friend of mine in the landscaping business reminds me that it’s just as beautiful in the winter as the spring and summer. I’ll admit that it is sometimes difficult for me to see and appreciate. He often says, “Nature isn’t perfect but it’s still beautiful.” Now I see with a different perspective.
I think the church is similar. It’s not perfect but it’s still beautiful. I see that in the church. People are not perfect. I’m not and you’re not. But the beauty in each person, in each creation, is still there. And we all see what we look for.
One of my personal mantras is: “What we pray for we look for and what we look for we find.”
That kind of perspective changes how we lead. We become more patient, we see growth as a natural process, and it’s easier to lead with grace.
2) See the problems you face as opportunities for progress.
You’ll become a discouraged or frustrated leader if you see all the problems we need to solve as an unnecessary headache.
In a continuous pattern, the book of Acts makes it clear that we solve problems to make kingdom progress by helping people find eternal life in Christ. It’s the foundation of what we do.
If you see problems as negative and pointless thorns in your side, they will exhaust you and derail progress. They will deplete the energy needed to focus vision-oriented solutions.
If you have a breakdown in a ministry, a staffing issue or struggles with finances, these can all be an opportunity to improve your church.
2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
Acts 6:2-4
The solution to the distribution of daily food provided an opportunity for more attention to prayer and scripture!
3) Resist becoming defensive about the areas your church isn’t great.
When someone points out a flaw in a ministry or your leadership, don’t make excuses, dismiss the issue, or get defensive. Instead, take responsibility and listen to the feedback.
If they have presented a legitimate issue, ask them if they are willing to become part of the solution. This allows you to quickly see the heart behind the complaint. If they just want to “pull the grenade pin” and walk away; or if they genuinely care and want the best for the church.
Honest conversations open the door to great solutions, restored relationships and Kingdom progress.
Candidly, ministries that need improvement motivate me. I love being part of a team that makes it better. Not just “repair it” but make it better!
4) Listen to complaints but don’t let the process rob you of joy.
As indicated in the previous point, we have a responsibility to listen to complaints. Some complaints are legitimate and require our attention. I appreciate those complaints, they’re helpful and sometimes about an issue I didn’t see or know about.
However. . .
Never allow a complaint of the church to become condemnation of the church. Remember who it belongs to.
When you know someone is a complainer by nature, set their complaint aside for the moment and have the honest conversation about their unhelpful behavior. Coach them toward a better way.
In either scenario, the enemy can attempt to steal your joy. Resist the devil and he will flee.
- Remember your calling.
- Thank God for your gifting.
- Hold on to your joy.
Not every day is easy or fun, but you can always have a meaningful ministry, which leads to joy.
5) Don’t leave when things get tough.
Staff transitions are normal. Most are good, healthy and productive. But if you leave because ministry gets tough, you are setting yourself up to leave each church you serve before your God assignment is done.
I’m not referring to “tough” as in an unhealthy or toxic environment. That’s different. I’m referring to ministry itself. All churches experience times when growth is difficult and slow, and there may be internal or external opposition. And sometimes the devil gets his way. But we keep going.
Candidly, tough seasons in ministry are some of the best seasons because we learn and grow the most.
You may also leave before the breakthrough comes and you miss what God had in mind the whole time.
Beware of the greener grass syndrome. Grow your own green grass. Most of all remember that God is with you!
