10 Leadership Lessons Every Growing Leader Needs to Remember
Leadership is tough. Whether you’re leading a church, running a business, or managing a team, challenges come at you fast—unexpected problems, tough decisions, and the constant weight of responsibility. No matter how much experience you have, leadership always comes with moments of doubt, frustration, and learning.
I’ve spent the last 25 years as an entrepreneur, building teams, leading organizations, and growing through the ups and downs of leadership. As Co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, I don’t pastor a congregation, but I do have a deep respect for those who do. My company exists to help church leaders communicate more effectively, and over the years, I’ve seen that many of the same principles that shape successful businesses apply directly to church leadership as well.
Here are 10 leadership lessons I’ve learned the hard way—ones that I believe every church leader can benefit from.
1. Lead with Integrity
Trust is the foundation of leadership. Whether you’re leading a business or a church, people need to know you’re honest and transparent. Even when it’s tough, tell the truth. Even when it’s inconvenient, do the right thing. The short-term pain of honesty is always better than the long-term damage of deception.
People don’t expect perfection, but they do expect consistency. A leader who operates with integrity—who follows through on commitments, takes responsibility for mistakes, and leads with honesty—creates an environment where trust thrives. And in ministry, trust is everything.
2. Empower Others
One of the biggest mistakes I made early in my career was trying to do everything myself. I thought I was protecting my business, but really, I was holding my team back. The same thing happens in ministry. When you try to do it all yourself, you limit the potential of those around you.
Empowering others means delegating responsibility and trusting your team to lead. It means allowing volunteers and staff to take ownership of their work. When you empower people, they don’t just get things done—they grow into better leaders themselves. And in the long run, stronger leaders mean a stronger church.
3. Embrace Humility
Great leaders listen more than they talk. They seek feedback, admit when they’re wrong, and never stop learning. One of the greatest signs of a strong leader is the willingness to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but let’s figure this out together.”
Pride pushes people away, but humility draws people in. A leader who is open to feedback, willing to adjust, and eager to learn creates a culture where others feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and contribute. When leaders embrace humility, the entire team gets better.
4. Stay Grounded in Prayer
Ministry is a spiritual battle, and church leadership can be exhausting. Prayer isn’t just a discipline—it’s a lifeline. The busier you get, the easier it is to let prayer slide, but that’s when you need it most.
In business, I’ve found that when I’m disconnected from my purpose, everything feels harder. The same is true in church leadership. When prayer is an afterthought, you carry a weight you were never meant to bear alone. Staying grounded in prayer keeps your heart aligned with your mission and your leadership rooted in faith.
5. Focus on People, Not Just Tasks
Leadership often feels like a never-ending to-do list. There are sermons to write, emails to send, budgets to manage, and events to plan. But ministry isn’t about executing tasks—it’s about building relationships.
People are the reason the work matters. If all your time is spent in meetings, emails, and planning, you might be missing what’s most important—connecting with the people you’re called to serve. Take time to check in on your team. Sit with a church member who’s struggling. Slow down enough to see the people right in front of you.
6. Learn to Delegate
Burnout doesn’t come from working too hard—it comes from working too hard alone. Leaders who struggle with delegation often feel like “it’s easier if I just do it myself.” But when you don’t delegate, you not only limit your own capacity—you limit the growth of those around you.
Delegation isn’t about offloading work—it’s about developing leaders. It’s about trusting others to step up and grow. The more you delegate, the more you free yourself to focus on what only you can do. And the more you empower others, the stronger your team—and your church—will be.
7. Lead by Example
Your team will mirror your behavior. If you want a culture of generosity, be generous. If you want a team that’s punctual, show up on time. If you want a church that welcomes newcomers, be the first to introduce yourself to a guest.
People watch what you do more than what you say. The way you treat people, handle stress, and navigate challenges sets the tone for everyone around you. Leadership isn’t about telling people what to do—it’s about showing them how to do it.
8. Adapt to Change
One of my favorite sayings is: “All decisions are final… until the next decision is made.” The world is constantly changing, and as a leader, you have to stay flexible.
Holding onto outdated strategies just because they worked in the past can stunt growth. Be willing to adjust. Be open to new ideas. Be adaptable. The most effective leaders aren’t the ones who resist change—they’re the ones who navigate it well.
9. Celebrate Wins
I’m naturally wired to move on to the next goal without stopping to celebrate. But I’ve learned that if you don’t pause to acknowledge progress, you rob your team of the motivation that comes from seeing their hard work pay off.
At Text In Church, we start every Monday morning meeting by celebrating wins—big or small. Whether it’s a new milestone, a breakthrough moment, or just a job well done, we take the time to recognize progress. In ministry, the same principle applies.
When someone makes a first-time visit, when a volunteer steps up, when a baptism happens—celebrate those moments. Recognizing progress fuels momentum, and momentum fuels growth.
10. Stay True to Your Vision
Distractions will come. Critics will speak. Opportunities will pull you in different directions. But as a leader, your job is to stay anchored to your vision. Every decision—big or small—should align with your mission.
The best leaders don’t chase trends—they build legacies. They stay focused on why they started in the first place. The most effective churches aren’t the ones that try to be everything to everyone—they’re the ones that know exactly who they are, what they value, and where they’re going.
Final Thoughts
Leadership is a journey. You don’t have to master everything overnight. But if you commit to growing a little each day—leading with integrity, empowering others, staying humble, and keeping your eyes on your mission—you’ll build something that lasts.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Follow Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
