This is a VERY brief excerpt from my upcoming book, 21st Century Strategies for Church Growth.

A Note to Church Leaders: Church leaders have a different mandate than the average church member. At-large church members are charged with the care of one another (other Christians and fellow church members in particular). Church leaders, however, are charged with the care of the church. They must be able to look beyond the desires, the needs, and the feelings of individuals and weigh decisions solely based on what is good for the local church and the kingdom of God. What is good and right for the church may not sit well with everyone, but church leaders aren’t charged with trying to make everyone happy. They’re responsible for the good of the church based on the church’s mission, values, and vision.

They must be willing to make decisions that may be unpopular with some church members – including some of the power members. In addition, they must be able to recognize extortion and threats (“If you ____ then I’m going to ____”). and have both the courage and the commitment to say, “We’re sorry you feel that way. We’re going to miss you.”

Question: How might you need to shift from being a leader who cares for individuals to being one who cares for the collective church? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.