being a solo pastor will force them to emerge in ways that may destroy ministry credibility . You can do all the right ministry actions , but personal grief and loss from deep wounds will surface , creating tensions . It ’ s difficult to get your own life together while you ’ re immersed in pastoring a church . One way , if needed , is to find a counselor who can help you process your feelings , hurts , and pains . Sometimes just talking deeply with a good friend or mentor is enough , but the earlier you do this in your life , the less likely your untapped feelings will damage your ministry .
3 . Lead from the floor as well as the stage .
Leadership in a solo-pastor church takes place among the people rather than out in front of them . While it ’ s true that leaders have followers , this doesn ’ t translate into always being in the front . If you ask people to trust
you from a distance , they will to an extent . But allowing people greater access to you results in greater authority , if you ’ re genuine . True leadership emerges from the midst of the people in solo-pastor churches . You can and should , of course , lead from the pulpit . Yet leadership power from the pulpit is supported by the trust engendered from ministry among the people . Nehemiah is an example of leading from the pack . When threatened , he was advised by friends to stay inside the rebuilt temple , away from his enemies . Instead , he recognized that his place was among the people working near their homes on the wall , where arrows could harm and fighting could break out at any time . When you stand with the people — supporting them and experiencing the same challenges — they will follow .
4 . Realize that you have influence , not power .
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