Leadership is crucial! No church can experience significant kingdom advancement without a God-called leader. Being in a position of leadership is humbling, and it comes with a human responsibility to strive for effectiveness. A key aspect of effective leadership is avoiding common pitfalls. Here are eight critical mistakes to avoid:

1. Trying to Do Everything Yourself: 

Lack of delegation overworks you, negatively affects the church and is sinful. We are called to equip believers for the work of the ministry, not to do it all ourselves.

2. Ignoring Godly Counsel:

Thinking we always know what’s best and disregarding advice from others is dangerous. Seek and heed godly counsel.

3. Listening to the Squeaky Wheel: 

This error is the opposite of refusing to listen to anyone. Leaders who are paralyzed by a few nay-sayers prevent the church from moving forward. Remember, you will give an account to the Lord, not the nay-sayers.

4. Neglecting the Community: 

Focusing inwardly can blind us to the mission field around us. Conduct a demographic study, get out into the neighborhood, know the people in your area, and be willing to lead changes to reach your community.

5. Failing to Lead in God’s Timing:

Changing too quickly or waiting too long to make necessary growth adjustments can be detrimental. Seek God’s timing for change.

6. Trying to Do Too Much at Once:

Like eating an elephant one bite at a time, focus on one or two things at a time. Prepare the church for a marathon, not a sprint. Build on one win after another.

7. Not Practicing What You Preach: 

Be authentic. Work on the areas you preach from God’s Word. Your actions should align with your teachings.

8. Not Knowing Yourself:

To grow a congregation, you must grow yourself. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and seek improvement. Build a team that complements you.
 
Understanding yourself as a leader is part of the revitalization process. 

This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.