4 Steps To Improved Leadership In The New Year

This New Year’s Eve, over a billion people tuned in as the ball dropped in Times Square to say “farewell” to the past year and “hello” to the next. As the new year comes and we set resolutions, it can be helpful to set a theme word for the new year. This year, let's focus on "health," not just in a physical way but as a follower of Christ.

Here are some tips for church and ministry leaders to make sure we all grow healthier in our leadership during this next year:

1. Reflect

Look at the past year and reflect on your growth. How have you grown as a follower of Jesus, a husband/wife, a dad/mom, and as a leader? How have you been intentional in your health in these different areas? Write down a list of the areas you have seen some obvious growth, and then list some areas in which you need to grow.

2. Plan

If we are going to be healthy, there must be a plan. For example, if you are a husband, maybe plan a date night with your wife each month. And as a dad, you could take “tech-no breaks” where your total attention is on your children. “Tech-no breaks” are set times where we all take a break from technology - a great practice for church leaders to make a routine in their families.

As a leader, we challenge you to think about three words: new, simple, and creative. Read more, create more, simplify more, and gain insights and input from new leaders and blogs that you would normally not follow. Find a few words to help guide you as you launch into a new season and a new year. Be intentional with a plan.

3. Connect

Make sure you are connected with other leaders. Not leaders who drain you, but leaders who inspire you. Sit with your team and dream again. Never get to a place of isolation as a leader. God truly did create us for relationships with others.

To be healthy, we must be connected with other people. 

Be a part of a Small Group, a leadership network, or an online leadership community, and make sure you have a mentor that you respect and whom you can learn from this year. Get connected and stay connected.

4. Live

Many times leaders forget to live - especially church leaders! Spend time outside of your leadership responsibilities and have fun! If you do not have a hobby, get one. Maybe it is time to explore new places and experience new adventures, whether it is hiking or driving. New places give a new perspective and can help clear your head.

Also, spend time with unchurched people. It's easy for church leaders to be so devoted to their congregation that they forget this. It gives you a different perspective on what others really think about the church.  Find some people (maybe your next-door neighbor) that you can love in the New Year.

Ephesians 3:20: Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or even think.

We are praying that you have a wonderful new year and that you will embrace His adventure and live in a healthy way!

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