I still remember an incident early in my ministry as a lead pastor that taught me an important lesson about leadership.
It happened during a women’s ministry tea party at our church. On the day of the event, the president and her team were busy in the kitchen preparing meals. Something happened that made me feel I had been left out of a decision I should have known about.
Although I cannot remember the exact issue today, I clearly remember feeling slighted and disrespected. I called the president aside and told her I felt she was disrespecting me and undermining my authority as the leader because things had moved forward without consulting me.
Looking back, I realized the situation revealed something important about my own leadership.
I was so concerned about protecting my position and being involved in every decision that I failed to recognize what was happening right in front of me.
The ministry president was organized, capable, and confidently leading her team. She knew what she was doing, and the women were working together to accomplish their assignment.
The problem wasn’t that she couldn’t lead. It was that I hadn’t yet learned how to let others lead.
From Control to Empowerment
That experience became part of a much larger lesson in my leadership journey.
As I studied leadership principles and reflected on Scripture, especially 2 Timothy 2:2, I began to understand that leadership wasn’t about making every decision or protecting my position. It was about developing and equipping others.
I realized that when I tried to do everything myself, I limited people and the ministry. But when I delegated and trusted others, they grew, and so did the church.
The Leadership Lesson That Changed Everything
Looking back, my biggest role wasn’t being the star. It was helping others discover and use their gifts.
The resources I needed to lead well were already sitting around me in my people.
When I learned to trust, equip, and release them, both the people and the ministry grew in ways I never could have achieved alone.
A Question for You
Who around you could grow if you gave them more trust, responsibility, and room to lead?
If you are ready to strengthen your leadership and develop the people around you, I would welcome a conversation. Visit Learn More About My Coaching Services learn more about my coaching, leadership training, and DISC consulting.