Leading from the Heart

One tendency as a pastor is to become someone that leads with their position or title rather than their passion and heart for God. The problem in leading with your title out front is people only follow a title to a certain point. The reason this is so prevalent in the Church today is that it’s much easier to lead with a title. It doesn’t take any work to earn respect, or trust. People follow you simply because you’re “Pastor.” What a cop out! Being a pastor is an incredible responsibility and privilege. Don’t turn it into an excuse!

This was Saul’s problem. He was leading with a title (King) rather than leading from his heart. In 1 Samuel 13:14, we see that David was chosen by God to replace Saul not because of his ability to lead, but because of his heart. Notice that ‘the man after God’s own heart’ came first, and then the appointment as a leader. Not vice-versa. Yes, it is very important for a leader to stay ‘on top of their game’ as a leader. Continually growing and developing their own leadership skills as well as those around them, but that is all for naught if we are not where we need to be spiritually. As a pastor, it can become so easy to lead from behind a title, but my desire for myself and my prayer for you is that you allow your passion for God to be what compels others to follow you, not your title.