Thoughts for Young Leaders

Today I was part of a great meeting with Pastor Steve Cordle of Crossroads Church and a group of young pastors (under 35) of the United Methodist Church.

At the end of our time together, Steve shared a couple of thoughts for these young leaders and for me it was an incredible moment to hear valuable real-life wisdom from someone who has journeyed with Jesus in ministry for over 20 years.  Here are a couple of his thoughts:

·      Your first job is to be fully lit.  “Is Jesus enough for me to make life full?”

·      Avoid cynicism. It is not good for your soul.

·      Watch burnout. Care for yourself.

·      Keep your vision crystal clear.  Can you say it simply and clearly?

·      Enforce the values  You are the enforcer of these values.  Guard them and do not let people violate them.

·      Don’t adopt a model but let your DNA guide your ministry philosophy.

·      Growth of a church is regulated by the pain tolerance of the local pastor.  Ministry is not easy.

·      Be committed to personal growth.  Be a learner  Leaders are readers.

·      Expect and handle criticism.

·      Remember this is a spiritual war.

·      Learn to manage change.

·      Keep the main thing the main thing:  Love God, Love people.

·      Love everybody, invest in a few.

Just a couple of thoughts for young leaders in the local church.