Seven Things Leaders Need to Work On

Leadership is not built on position. It is built on example. Scripture makes it clear that those who lead carry a higher responsibility, and with that responsibility comes a higher standard.

Paul tells Timothy plainly, “Be an example to the believers.” Not occasionally. Not when it is convenient. Every day.

Here are several leadership truths I shared with our staff. These are principles every leader must continually work on if they want to lead well and finish strong.

Leadership Begins With Personal Example

According to 1 Timothy 4:11 to 12, leaders are called to be an example in specific areas of life.

Vocabulary. How we speak matters.
Lifestyle. What we allow into our lives will eventually show.
Love walk. How we treat people reveals spiritual maturity.
Attitude. What is inside always comes out.
Faith. Leaders do not just talk belief. They live it.
Purity. Integrity is non negotiable.
Gift development. Growth is intentional, not accidental.

Every leader should ask themselves daily,
How is my attitude today
What am I doing to develop the gift God has given me

Higher Responsibility Means Higher Standards

James 3:1 reminds us that leadership carries weight. The more responsibility you have, the fewer options you have. Leadership is not about doing whatever you want. It is about doing what is right.

If you are asking for more influence, you must be willing to pay the price for it. That may mean removing things from your life that God cannot bless. Promotion always comes with pruning.

Leadership Requires Alignment

Jesus said in John 5:19 that He only did what He saw the Father doing. That principle still applies.

In ministry leadership,
What you see your pastor do, you do.
If your leader would not do it, you should not either.
Stay in sync with vision, values, and example.

When leaders drift from alignment, confusion follows. Unity does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders say the same things, walk the same direction, and pull together.

Leadership Is Not Friendship

Leadership is built on standards, example, and followership. You cannot lead people you are trying to buddy with. You can love people deeply without losing leadership clarity, but you cannot lower standards and still expect people to follow well.

Work on Yourself First

One of the most important truths leaders must accept is this. You are your own biggest problem.

When you work on yourself, leadership gets easier. As vision grows, pressure grows, but strong leaders grow with it. Personal growth is the pressure release valve of leadership.

Leadership is not about perfection. It is about consistency, humility, and daily obedience.