3 Things You Need to Succeed as a Leader

“Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.” —Christopher Germer

Are you a leader of a ministry to those in great need? Maybe you teach in the inner city, serve teen moms, or work in your local food pantry. Maybe you are on staff at a church. Or maybe you find yourself volunteering in a prison or crisis pregnancy center. All of these ministries are wonderful, but also draining for leaders.

Leaders give a lot. Leaders also have needs. Yet most of us do better at taking care of others than we do ourselves. The problem is that if we don’t care for ourselves, then how can we expect to have anything to give? We can’t.

Why do you need to prioritize self-care?

1.     Every leadership position has challenges.
2.     Every person you serve will have needs. No leadership job is easy.
3.     There will be obstacles along the way.
4.     Every leader has limits. There is only so much we can do, so much we can say and so much we can give.

What every leader needs most:

Faith

Some groups/meetings will be more challenging than others. Some days nothing will run smoothly. You will be misunderstood. Your to-do list will grow. Your efforts may seem futile.

You need faith to know you are making a difference. You need to focus on what’s unseen—the words that speak to the hearts of those you serve.

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18).

Have faith that you will make a difference for that one person when he or she needs it most. Have faith that it will matter for eternity.

As I serve in ministry, the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 has helped me more than any other passage. The crowds pressed around Jesus, but Jesus focused on one man: “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” There were many needs, but Jesus focused on one.

Trust that the Holy Spirit in you will stir your spirit, and out of all the people who have needs, Jesus will guide you to the one person with whom you need to spend an extra amount of time.

You will not be able to see the difference you are making right away, but with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you are making a difference.

Perseverance

Do not quit. Those in need have had more people quit on them than they can count. When you feel like giving up, ask God to strengthen you. Seek Him and seek the encouragement of others. Don’t be shy about telling others that you need encouragement!

When you feel drained:

•     Read your favorite Scripture verses.
•     Write in a prayer journal.
•     Think back on success stories from your program or other programs.
•     Talk to a friend, mentor and or fellow leader.
•     When you feel like giving up, remember a time when someone did not give up on you.

Clarity

Every leader needs clarity once in a while. Take time to regroup. Instead of looking ahead, look back. Ask, “Why did I want to support this group of people in the first place?”

Consider:

•     What were your goals when you started?
•     What was your motivation to step into leadership?
•     What did God speak to your heart back then to confirm your decision?
•     How did other mature Christians confirm that this was your calling?

When I get discouraged and overwhelmed, I look back and remember how far I’ve come as a follower of Christ. I also remember that God is in the transformation business. This is His work; I’m just joining Him in it.