- Top 10 Leadership Books for Church Leaders
The Backstage Leadership PodcastPractical conversations for church leaders behind the scenes.
Episode 4 : The Top 10 Books Every Church Leader Should ReadEvery great leader is a learner — and in ministry, that means more than mastering gear or building systems. It’s about growing in character, clarity, and compassion.
In this solo episode, David shares his Top 10 (plus one bonus) books that have shaped how he leads teams, develops people, and stays healthy in the grind of church production and worship ministry.
You’ll hear insights from:
📘 Lead Like Jesus — Leadership starts with posture, not position.
📖 The Divine Mentor — You can’t pour out what you haven’t received.
🔥 Fired Up — Energy and motivation begin with the leader.
🍽 Leaders Eat Last — Build safety and trust before you build skills.
💡 How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge — Influence isn’t about title, it’s about responsibility.
❤️ The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership — Healthy leaders build healthy teams.
💬 Crucial Conversations — Conflict isn’t bad; avoidance is.
🙌 The Volunteer Project — Stop recruiting, start retaining.
⚓ Extreme Ownership — Take responsibility, simplify, and lead with discipline.
🧾 The Checklist Manifesto — Systems protect excellence.
🌍 Bonus: Make the World More Awesome — Leadership development is intentional.
Whether you’re a seasoned director, a volunteer, or a church leader trying to grow your team, these lessons will help you lead better, serve smarter, and stay inspired week after week.
👉 Brought to you by ChurchAVpro — helping churches simplify production and amplify the message.
Check out ourWorship Devotional : Volume 1that is written to help leaders spend intentional time in devotion with their team and realigning their hearts with the WHY in why they serve.
Search Results placeholderIf you’ve been in church production or worship ministry for any amount of time, you know leadership can feel like juggling the spiritual, the technical, and the personal—all at once.
You’re leading volunteers, solving problems, managing emotions, and trying to keep your own heart healthy in the process.
That’s why reading is so crucial for leaders.
Reading isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation. It stretches your perspective, deepens your empathy, and sharpens your decision-making. Studies show that the world’s top leaders—CEOs, entrepreneurs, pastors—read multiple books a month. Why? Because they know continuous learning is the key to sustained growth.
In ministry, where we’re constantly pouring out, reading fills the tank back up.
Here are 10 books (plus one bonus!) that have shaped my leadership—spiritually, mentally, and practically—and how they can impact yours.
1️⃣ Lead Like Jesus — Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges
If you only read one book from this list, make it this one. I’ve read Lead Like Jesus with multiple teams over the years, and it’s shaped how I think about leadership more than anything else.
Ken Blanchard writes, “Leadership is not about love of power; it’s about the power of love.”
This book reminds us that leadership isn’t about status—it’s about posture. Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve. He washed feet, listened to people, and modeled humility. Philippians 2:5–8 says, “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus… who made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”
I’ll be honest—there have been seasons where I’ve let ego sneak in. Where I thought leadership was about getting things done or proving myself. But this book keeps pulling me back to the heart of why I do what I do: to serve others and glorify Christ.
“He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” — Philippians 2:7
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Leadership starts on the inside. You can’t lead people where you haven’t gone yourself.
- Servant leadership is the model. We don’t give orders—we create environments for people to thrive.
- Ego kills ministry. When pride creeps in, even subtly, you stop reflecting Jesus.
This book recalibrates your heart every time you pick it up.
Reflection:
- Are you leading for recognition, or out of a calling to serve?
- Where might pride be getting in the way of true servant leadership?
2️⃣ The Divine Mentor — Wayne Cordeiro
I read this book early in my ministry career, and it completely changed how I approach time with God. Cordeiro says, “The Word of God is meant to mentor you—if you’ll slow down and let it.”
When I was younger, I read the Bible to prepare messages or find quotes for meetings. But this book convicted me to stop reading for others and start reading for myself again. Ministry burnout doesn’t come from working too hard—it comes from leading on an empty tank.
The truth is, you can’t pour out what you haven’t received.
Now, my quiet time is where God fills my heart before I fill anyone else’s.
Wayne Cordeiro reminds us that ministry burnout isn’t a time issue—it’s a soul issue.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- You need a daily connection with God, not just a weekly one. You can’t pour out what you haven’t received.
- Scripture is meant to mentor you. The Bible isn’t for prep—it’s for transformation.
- Private devotion sustains public ministry. The best leaders are shaped in the secret place.
Reflection:
- Is your time in the Word primarily for you—or for your next ministry assignment?
- What would change if you treated your Bible like a conversation, not a textbook?
3️⃣ Fired Up — Dr. Andrew Johnston
Dr. Johnston is brilliant at unpacking what drives motivation. I got to meet him at a conference years ago, and his wisdom stuck with me.
He writes, “Energy is contagious. Leaders who carry clarity and passion set the temperature of their environment.”
One Thursday night, I came into rehearsal tired. Long week. Short temper. By the end of the night, two people asked if I was okay—and they weren’t being nosy. They were responding to the tone I had set. This book taught me that as leaders, we don’t reflect the atmosphere, we create it.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Energy is contagious. Your tone sets the team’s tone.
- Leaders are thermostats, not thermometers. Don’t react to chaos—regulate it.
- Passion + Purpose = Longevity. Burnout isn’t about doing too much, but about doing too much of what doesn’t matter.
We are the temperature setters. When we bring energy, focus, and faith—our teams follow.
Reflection:
- What kind of “energy” do you bring into your team environments?
- Would you follow your own attitude into battle—or be looking for the exit?
4️⃣ Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek
This is one of the best books on culture you’ll ever read. Sinek says, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
When people feel safe, valued, and supported—they thrive. When they feel disposable—they withdraw. I’ve seen both in ministry.
I once worked under a pastor who would take blame publicly and give credit privately. I learned more from watching his humility than from any meeting we ever had. It reminded me that trust outlasts talent.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- The best leaders create safety. People should know you care about them more than what they do.
- Trust > Talent. Trust keeps momentum; talent alone doesn’t.
- Leaders sacrifice for their people. True leaders go last—they serve first.
Reflection:
- Does your team feel protected or pressured?
- When’s the last time you sacrificed something to serve your team?
5️⃣ How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge — Clay Scroggins
This one hit home during a tough season. I was frustrated by decisions I couldn’t control. A mentor recommended this book, and it reframed everything.
Scroggins says, “You don’t need authority to lead—you need responsibility.”
Influence grows when you lead faithfully where you are, not where you wish you were. I’ve seen young volunteers gain influence simply by owning their roles and doing them with excellence.
Leadership starts with stewardship, not status.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Influence isn’t about position. You don’t need a title to lead—you need responsibility.
- Be faithful where you are. Do your best work in the season you’re in.
- Lead yourself first. Excellence, integrity, and humility attract influence.
Reflection:
- Are you leading well in the season you’re in—or waiting for the next one?
- What’s one area you can take more ownership of this week?
💡 Quick Note:
All of these principles are why I started ChurchAVpro—to help churches like yours simplify production and amplify the message.
If your team needs coaching, consulting, or development, book a free 20-minute consult at churchav.pro.
And don’t miss the Worship Devotional: Volume 1—a great tool to keep your team spiritually centered while they serve.
6️⃣ The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership — Jenni Catron
This book ties leadership to the Great Commandment: heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Catron writes, “Great leaders know how to integrate all four dimensions of who they are.”
If you lead all heart but no mind—you’ll burn out.
If you lead all mind but no heart—you’ll lose people.I’ve lived both. Healthy leadership requires balance. Some seasons I need to slow down and care more deeply for my team. Other times, I need to tighten systems and clarify expectations. Both matter.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Healthy leadership starts with a healthy leader. You can’t pour from an empty soul.
- Balance matters. Blend heart and mind, passion and process.
- Self-awareness multiplies leadership. Know your strengths—and your blind spots.
Reflection:
- Which “dimension” do you tend to lead from most—heart, soul, mind, or strength?
- Which area needs the most attention right now?
7️⃣ Crucial Conversations — Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler
This book has saved me from more leadership disasters than I can count. Ministry is full of difficult conversations—misunderstandings, hurt feelings, tension.
One line from the book changed how I lead: “When stakes are high and emotions run strong, the best leaders create safety, not pressure.”
I’ve learned that conflict isn’t the enemy. Avoidance is.
When I started leaning into tough talks with honesty and empathy, trust deepened—even when the conversation was hard.Top 3 Takeaways:
- Conflict isn’t bad—avoidance is. Healthy conflict builds trust.
- Focus on safety, not winning. Listen to understand, not to fix.
- Facts before feelings. Stick to what you know before assuming motives.
Reflection:
- Who do you need to have a conversation with this week?
- Are you trying to win the argument or build the relationship?
8️⃣ The Volunteer Project: Stop Recruiting and Start Retaining — Jacobsen, Sanders, Watson
Every production or worship leader needs this book. It flips the script on how we think about volunteers.
The authors say, “The best way to grow your team isn’t to recruit more—it’s to care better.”
That hit me.
Early on, I was obsessed with filling positions. I’d chase new recruits instead of investing in the people I already had. Once I started focusing on developing and pastoring my current volunteers, our retention skyrocketed—and so did morale.People don’t quit ministry. They quit leaders.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Stop recruiting. Start retaining. The best way to grow your team is to keep the people you already have.
- People quit leaders, not ministries. Care matters more than cool.
- Development keeps people engaged. Growth builds loyalty.
Reflection:
- How often do you intentionally connect with your volunteers outside of Sunday?
- What can you do to show appreciation this week?
9️⃣ Extreme Ownership — Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
This book is a masterclass in accountability. Written by Navy SEALs, it’s blunt, intense, and absolutely relevant to ministry.
Jocko writes, “Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.”
When things go wrong on Sunday—and they do—it’s easy to point fingers. “It was the band’s fault.” “The projector froze.” “The notes didn’t update.” But leadership means owning the outcome and asking, “What could I have done differently?”
The best leaders take responsibility for failure but give away credit for success.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Take ownership, no excuses. You own the outcome—good or bad.
- Simplify and communicate. Complexity kills clarity.
- Discipline equals freedom. Preparation makes space for flexibility and creativity.
Reflection:
- How do you respond when something goes wrong?
- What would your team learn if you took responsibility first?
🔟 The Checklist Manifesto — Atul Gawande
This might not sound exciting, but it’s brilliant. The idea is simple: checklists protect excellence.
Gawande says, “Discipline is not the enemy of creativity—it’s the foundation for it.”
When systems are clear, creativity thrives. I used to think checklists stifled people, but the opposite is true. They create confidence. When your team doesn’t have to remember every small detail, they’re free to focus on the bigger picture.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Checklists save time and sanity. Even surgeons use them.
- Systems create consistency. Work smarter, not harder.
- Write, refine, repeat. Document your process so creativity can thrive.
Reflection:
- Do your systems free people—or frustrate them?
- What’s one process you could simplify this week?
Bonus: Make the World More Awesome — Jeremy Brownlee
This one’s personal. Jeremy’s not just a friend; he’s a teammate and someone I deeply respect. His book captures the heart of leadership development perfectly.
He writes, “You don’t multiply leaders accidentally—you multiply them intentionally.”
This book reminds me that leadership isn’t about being the best. It’s about bringing out the best in others. I’ve watched Jeremy live that out—celebrating progress, mentoring others, and creating a culture where people believe they can grow.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Leadership development is intentional. You don’t multiply leaders by accident.
- Celebrate growth, not perfection. Progress > performance.
- Awesome leaders make others awesome. True leadership lifts others higher.
Reflection:
- Who are you developing right now?
- Are you building followers—or future leaders?
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth—leadership in ministry is hard. It will stretch your faith, your patience, and your heart. But leaders who keep learning are the ones who keep lasting.
Every one of these books has challenged me to think differently about leadership—to lead with humility, care for people deeply, and stay faithful in the unseen moments.
If you want to lead well for the long haul:
- Keep reading.
- Keep learning.
- Keep your heart soft and your hands steady.
Because the Kingdom doesn’t need more exhausted heroes—it needs healthy, humble coaches who multiply others.
If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Comment below or connect with me at churchav.pro or on Instagram @churchavpro.And if you or your team need help growing—whether it’s through coaching, consulting, or developing your volunteers—reach out. That’s what ChurchAVpro is all about:
Simplifying production. Amplifying the message. - 3 Ways to Multiply Leaders Instead of Burning Out Doing It All Yourself
The Backstage Leadership PodcastPractical conversations for church leaders behind the scenes.
Episode 4 : The Top 10 Books Every Church Leader Should ReadEvery great leader is a learner — and in ministry, that means more than mastering gear or building systems. It’s about growing in character, clarity, and compassion.
In this solo episode, David shares his Top 10 (plus one bonus) books that have shaped how he leads teams, develops people, and stays healthy in the grind of church production and worship ministry.
You’ll hear insights from:
📘 Lead Like Jesus — Leadership starts with posture, not position.
📖 The Divine Mentor — You can’t pour out what you haven’t received.
🔥 Fired Up — Energy and motivation begin with the leader.
🍽 Leaders Eat Last — Build safety and trust before you build skills.
💡 How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge — Influence isn’t about title, it’s about responsibility.
❤️ The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership — Healthy leaders build healthy teams.
💬 Crucial Conversations — Conflict isn’t bad; avoidance is.
🙌 The Volunteer Project — Stop recruiting, start retaining.
⚓ Extreme Ownership — Take responsibility, simplify, and lead with discipline.
🧾 The Checklist Manifesto — Systems protect excellence.
🌍 Bonus: Make the World More Awesome — Leadership development is intentional.
Whether you’re a seasoned director, a volunteer, or a church leader trying to grow your team, these lessons will help you lead better, serve smarter, and stay inspired week after week.
👉 Brought to you by ChurchAVpro — helping churches simplify production and amplify the message.
Check out ourWorship Devotional : Volume 1that is written to help leaders spend intentional time in devotion with their team and realigning their hearts with the WHY in why they serve.
Search Results placeholderIf you’ve been in ministry for any length of time, you’ve probably felt it — that subtle pressure to do it all yourself.
You love what you do. You love the people. But sometimes it feels like the entire weight of Sunday morning (and Wednesday night, and the next event, and the last-minute funeral) sits squarely on your shoulders.You’re unlocking the building, fixing cables, planning songs, mentoring volunteers, answering texts, scheduling meetings, and still trying to be present for your family. You’re not lazy — you’re just stretched thin.
And if you’re honest, you’ve probably thought, “It’s just easier if I do it myself.”
But easier now often means emptier later.Because the truth is — you can’t build what lasts by doing it all alone.
Jesus never modeled solo ministry. He modeled multiplication. He didn’t just do ministry for people; He did ministry through people.
If we want our churches (and our hearts) to stay healthy, we’ve got to learn how to multiply leaders instead of burning out doing it all ourselves.
1️⃣ Lead With Vision, Not Just Tasks
If all you do is hand people jobs, they’ll help you complete a checklist.
But if you share vision, they’ll join you on a mission.That’s what Jeremy and I talked about on the podcast — the difference between “task-driven” leadership and “vision-driven” leadership. Jeremy said, “We need to be motivated by something bigger than ourselves. The more I can help people see how they’re part of that vision, the more they’ll grow — not just in their skills, but in who they’re becoming.”
People want to know they matter. When you connect the dots between their task and God’s purpose, something ignites in them.
The sound tech isn’t just mixing audio — they’re creating an environment where hearts can encounter God.
The greeter isn’t just passing out bulletins — they’re setting the tone for how someone experiences the love of Jesus.
That’s not busywork. That’s ministry.Jeremy shared a story from his early years in ministry: the first person he ever tried to “develop” told him they were leaving the church — right in the middle of lunch. It was humbling. But it started him on a journey of realizing that leadership isn’t about control; it’s about influence.
As Ken Blanchard says in Lead Like Jesus, “The most persistent barrier to servant leadership is the fear of losing control. But leadership isn’t about control — it’s about influence.”
That kind of influence comes when you cast a vision worth following.
2️⃣ Develop People, Don’t Just Delegate Tasks
Delegation is handing off responsibility.
Development is walking with people as they grow into that responsibility.Jeremy broke it down into a model from his book, Make the World More Awesome:
“Development happens through relational connection, exposing truth, inspiring action, processing growth, developing maturity, and multiplying influence.”
That’s powerful. Because development isn’t just telling people what to do — it’s investing in who they’re becoming.
I shared on the podcast that one of the ways I try to develop my team is through consistent one-on-ones. Those meetings aren’t about me checking boxes — they’re about me asking, “What do you need from me? How can I help you win?”
When you care for your people personally, you earn the right to lead them spiritually.
Jeremy also reminded me of something that stuck: “We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for progress.”
That’s the heart of a developer.It’s the same way we raise our kids — we don’t expect perfection on day one. We celebrate growth.
Leadership development is the same way. Give your team permission to fail forward.Because every person you develop is a new multiplier.
3️⃣ Empower and Trust Your Team
Once you’ve equipped someone — trust them.
Let them lead.That’s the hard part for most of us. We say we want help, but then we hover, tweak, and micromanage until people deflate.
Empowerment means giving authority and accountability. It means saying, “I’m here for you, but this is your lane. Own it.”
Jeremy shared a line I loved: “Do what you do really well — and find people who do the other stuff really well.”
That’s the key. You don’t have to be the best at everything. You just have to create the space for others to thrive in their strengths.
And that means letting go.
Not because you don’t care — but because you trust.
Final Thought: Shift from Hero to Coach
You can’t multiply leaders if you’re trying to be the hero of every story.
The best leaders aren’t the ones who do the most — they’re the ones who equip others to do more.Burnout happens when you mistake being busy for being fruitful.
Multiplication happens when you realize leadership isn’t about doing more — it’s about empowering more.Jeremy said it best:
“Everywhere there’s still hurt, pain, or suffering, there’s an absence of leadership. Every one of us can do something about that by investing in the people around us.”
So this week, find one person you can develop.
Give them something small to own.
Celebrate progress.
And watch what happens when you stop doing it all alone — and start developing others to carry the mission with you.Because when you multiply leaders, you multiply impact.
Reflection Questions
Take a few minutes to think through these questions — or better yet, talk them over with your team this week:
- Where in your ministry are you currently “doing it all yourself”? What’s keeping you from trusting someone else with part of it?
- Think of one person on your team you could begin developing instead of just delegating to. What’s one step you can take this week to invest in them?
- How can you shift from being the “hero” of your ministry to being the “coach” of your team?
- What systems or routines could you simplify so your volunteers can focus on vision rather than confusion?
- How are you modeling humility, patience, and grace as you empower others to lead — even when it means letting go of control?
- What would it look like for your team to multiply leaders instead of maintain tasks?
Explore More
🎧 Listen to the Podcast:
Catch this full conversation with Jeremy Brownlee on The Backstage Leadership Podcast — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at churchav.pro/the-backstage-leadership-podcast/💬 1:1 Coaching for Leaders:
Ready to develop your leadership and build stronger teams? Learn more about ChurchAVpro’s personal and team coaching packages at churchav.pro/coaching⚙️ Consulting for Your Church:
Need help assessing your systems, structure, or team workflow? Explore on-site and remote consulting options at churchav.pro/consulting - Why the Best Leaders Are the Best Followers: Learning Humility in Leadership
The Backstage Leadership PodcastPractical conversations for church leaders behind the scenes.
Episode 4 : The Top 10 Books Every Church Leader Should ReadEvery great leader is a learner — and in ministry, that means more than mastering gear or building systems. It’s about growing in character, clarity, and compassion.
In this solo episode, David shares his Top 10 (plus one bonus) books that have shaped how he leads teams, develops people, and stays healthy in the grind of church production and worship ministry.
You’ll hear insights from:
📘 Lead Like Jesus — Leadership starts with posture, not position.
📖 The Divine Mentor — You can’t pour out what you haven’t received.
🔥 Fired Up — Energy and motivation begin with the leader.
🍽 Leaders Eat Last — Build safety and trust before you build skills.
💡 How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge — Influence isn’t about title, it’s about responsibility.
❤️ The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership — Healthy leaders build healthy teams.
💬 Crucial Conversations — Conflict isn’t bad; avoidance is.
🙌 The Volunteer Project — Stop recruiting, start retaining.
⚓ Extreme Ownership — Take responsibility, simplify, and lead with discipline.
🧾 The Checklist Manifesto — Systems protect excellence.
🌍 Bonus: Make the World More Awesome — Leadership development is intentional.
Whether you’re a seasoned director, a volunteer, or a church leader trying to grow your team, these lessons will help you lead better, serve smarter, and stay inspired week after week.
👉 Brought to you by ChurchAVpro — helping churches simplify production and amplify the message.
Check out ourWorship Devotional : Volume 1that is written to help leaders spend intentional time in devotion with their team and realigning their hearts with the WHY in why they serve.
Search Results placeholderLeadership is a funny thing. Everyone wants to talk about it, read about it, and grow in it — but few want to do the one thing that makes leadership actually work: follow.
We live in a world that celebrates charisma over character. The loudest voices, the biggest platforms, and the most magnetic personalities get the spotlight. But if you’ve been in ministry or leadership long enough, you’ve probably seen what I have — the people who rise the fastest are often the ones who fall the hardest.
Because while charisma can open doors, only character can keep them open.
And humility is what builds that character.
Jesus Was a Follower Before He Was a Leader
When you really look at the life of Jesus, you see something remarkable: every act of authority flowed out of submission.
“He made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.”
— Philippians 2:7Before He led anyone, He followed His Father.
Ken Blanchard put it this way in Lead Like Jesus:
“The true test of leadership is how well you serve others when you are in charge.”
That’s the model Jesus gave us.
Leadership isn’t about power — it’s about posture. It’s about surrendering your will to God’s, trusting His direction, and leading others out of that same posture of humility.
Authority Flows from Submission
The greatest leaders I’ve known didn’t start by trying to lead; they started by faithfully following. They understood that spiritual authority isn’t taken — it’s given through obedience.
But that’s hard for most of us, isn’t it?
We don’t like the word “submission.” We associate it with weakness. But in God’s kingdom, submission is strength.It takes humility to follow someone else’s lead. It takes maturity to serve a vision that isn’t your own. But that’s exactly what prepares us for leadership — because following develops the empathy, patience, and grace that leadership demands.
Charisma Fades — Character Endures
I’ve seen it countless times in church life. The charismatic leader shows up — gifted, magnetic, full of ideas and passion. People gravitate to them. They grow fast. But when their character doesn’t grow as fast as their platform, the crash is inevitable.
They’re like dying stars — bright for a moment, but burning out fast.
Then there are the quiet leaders. The steady ones.
They don’t chase attention. They care deeply, they listen well, and they lead with integrity. They might not gain followers quickly, but they gain trust — and that’s the kind of influence that lasts.“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
— Proverbs 22:4Humility doesn’t hold you back — it sustains you.
Following Builds Empathy
When you’ve served under leadership — especially imperfect leadership — you gain something that can’t be taught in a book: perspective.
You start to understand how your tone, your words, and your decisions affect others. You realize what it feels like to be on the other side of leadership.
That kind of empathy changes how you lead.
It slows you down. It makes you more patient, more understanding. It reminds you that the people you lead aren’t just “team members” — they’re children of God with callings and stories of their own.
That’s what following does. It shapes your heart before it shapes your strategy.
Humility Keeps You Teachable
Ken Blanchard wrote,
“When you think you’ve arrived, you stop learning. When you stop learning, you stop leading.”
Pride is subtle. It doesn’t usually show up as arrogance. Sometimes it looks like independence — the idea that “I’ve got this.”
But that quiet self-sufficiency can be the beginning of isolation.
Humility, on the other hand, keeps you dependent — on God and on the people He’s placed around you. It keeps your heart teachable, your mind open, and your soul grounded.
That’s why humility isn’t just a virtue — it’s a guardrail. It protects you from the slow drift toward pride.
Practical Ways to Lead with Humility
Here are a few ways to keep humility at the center of leadership:
- Ask for feedback — from your team, not just your boss.
Ask, “What’s one thing I could do better?” Then really listen. - Serve beneath your title. Carry cables. Sweep floors. Do what no one sees.
- Publicly honor your leaders. Let others know whose shoulders you stand on.
- Admit when you’re wrong. Your credibility grows, not shrinks, when you do.
- Stay close to Jesus. Leadership without intimacy becomes idolatry.
A Final Word
The best leaders I’ve ever met aren’t chasing platforms — they’re walking closely behind Jesus.
They’re faithful followers.
They’re humble servants.
They’re leaders whose strength comes from surrender.So if you’re in a season where you feel unseen or stuck “following,” don’t despise it. God’s using that season to shape the kind of leader who lasts.
Because in the end, the best leaders are — and always will be — the best followers.
💭 Reflection Questions
- Who are you currently following or learning from?
- Where might pride or independence be creeping into your leadership?
- What’s one way you can serve “beneath your title” this week?
🔗 Explore More Leadership Resources
👉 Book a Leadership Consultation
👉 Join 1:1 Coaching for Church Leaders
👉 Listen to The Backstage Leadership Podcast - 5 Habits Every Church Worship and Production Leader Needs to Stay Spiritually and Emotionally Healthy
The Backstage Leadership PodcastPractical conversations for church leaders behind the scenes.
Episode 4 : The Top 10 Books Every Church Leader Should ReadEvery great leader is a learner — and in ministry, that means more than mastering gear or building systems. It’s about growing in character, clarity, and compassion.
In this solo episode, David shares his Top 10 (plus one bonus) books that have shaped how he leads teams, develops people, and stays healthy in the grind of church production and worship ministry.
You’ll hear insights from:
📘 Lead Like Jesus — Leadership starts with posture, not position.
📖 The Divine Mentor — You can’t pour out what you haven’t received.
🔥 Fired Up — Energy and motivation begin with the leader.
🍽 Leaders Eat Last — Build safety and trust before you build skills.
💡 How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge — Influence isn’t about title, it’s about responsibility.
❤️ The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership — Healthy leaders build healthy teams.
💬 Crucial Conversations — Conflict isn’t bad; avoidance is.
🙌 The Volunteer Project — Stop recruiting, start retaining.
⚓ Extreme Ownership — Take responsibility, simplify, and lead with discipline.
🧾 The Checklist Manifesto — Systems protect excellence.
🌍 Bonus: Make the World More Awesome — Leadership development is intentional.
Whether you’re a seasoned director, a volunteer, or a church leader trying to grow your team, these lessons will help you lead better, serve smarter, and stay inspired week after week.
👉 Brought to you by ChurchAVpro — helping churches simplify production and amplify the message.
Check out ourWorship Devotional : Volume 1that is written to help leaders spend intentional time in devotion with their team and realigning their hearts with the WHY in why they serve.
Search Results placeholderIf you’ve been in ministry for any length of time, you know how heavy leadership can feel. I’ve been in ministry at some level for over 20 years, 13 of those now being full-time staff. You love what you do, you know you’re called to it, but some days it feels like you’re running on empty. Sermon prep, pastoral care, counseling, staff meetings, vision casting… add in the needs of your own family and suddenly you’re stretched in every direction.
The truth is, you can’t pour into others if your own cup is bone dry. Ministry leaders often forget that staying spiritually and emotionally healthy is just as important as preparing a message or organizing a service. If you want to last in ministry, you need habits that anchor your soul.
Here are five that have made the biggest difference in my own walk and in the lives of other leaders I’ve walked with.
1. Engage in Spiritual Disciplines
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
Think about that: even Jesus, the Son of God, withdrew often to spend time with the Father. If He needed it, how much more do we?
Spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading Scripture, fasting, or simply being still before God are not “extra credit” for leaders — they’re the foundation. Without them, everything else starts to crack.
I once talked with a pastor who realized his Bible reading had turned into “sermon research” rather than devotion. He wasn’t sitting at Jesus’ feet, he was just digging for material. So he made a change: he set aside 15–20 minutes every morning where he read Scripture with no pen, no notebook, no preaching agenda. Just him and God. He told me, “Those moments brought me back to the reason I ever got into ministry — because I love Jesus.”That shift gave him fresh fire in his preaching, but more importantly, it renewed his own soul.
2. Cultivate Community
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24–25
Ministry can be incredibly isolating. You spend your days listening to everyone else’s struggles, but when it comes to your own, you feel like you have nowhere to go. That’s dangerous ground — because the enemy loves to attack leaders in isolation.
Community doesn’t just happen; you have to build it intentionally. Whether it’s a small group, a mentor, a friend you can be brutally honest with, or even a network of other pastors in your city — you need safe people who know the real you.
A volunteer I lead was drowning in pressure he felt at his job and issues at home. He felt like nobody understood. Then he got connected to a small group at church. Once a month, they’d grab coffee, share their wins and struggles, and pray over each other. He told me, “That circle saved my life. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was carrying it all alone.”Leaders who isolate themselves burn out. Leaders who stay in community stay steady.
3. Practice Gratitude and Reflection
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring problems — it means refusing to let them define your perspective. When you pause long enough to thank God for His faithfulness, your focus shifts from what’s wrong to what’s still right.
Just this past weekend, our worship pastor took some time in worship to focus our attention on being grateful. He shared about teaching his kids how to pray, and how innocent their prayers are thanking God for things like “oatmeal and blueberries”. Sometimes we get so burdened by life, we forget to be grateful for the many blessings in our lives. (Shoot, some of those “burdens” we carry are actually things we prayed for once upon a time.) We transitioned to a time of prayer while we sang “Goodness of God”. It was such a powerful moment in our service.
Reflection works hand in hand with gratitude. It helps you notice the ways God is at work in your life and ministry that you might otherwise rush past. Journaling is a simple tool here — jotting down answered prayers, lessons learned, or blessings you don’t want to forget.
4. Serve Others
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
You might be thinking, “I already serve all the time — that’s my whole job!” And you’re right. But there’s a difference between serving in your role and serving out of pure love, with no title or responsibility attached.
Something powerful happens when leaders step outside their “official” ministry duties and just serve. It reminds you that the heart of leadership isn’t managing, it’s loving.
I know a senior pastor who quietly mowed the lawn of an elderly widow in his church every Saturday morning. He didn’t make an announcement, didn’t post it on social media — he just did it. He told me it was one of the most grounding things in his week. It reminded him that ministry wasn’t about numbers or budgets or staff meetings — it was about people.That kind of service keeps your heart soft. It strips away the pressure and brings you back to the simplicity of Jesus’ command: love your neighbor.
5. Seek Meaning and Purpose
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
When you forget your “why,” ministry quickly feels like a grind. You start going through the motions, carrying weight without joy. But when you reconnect with your God-given purpose, even the hard parts of leadership take on new meaning.
Sometimes this comes through rest, hobbies, or simply stepping back to see the bigger picture. It doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities — it means remembering that your life is more than tasks and titles.
A friend of mine who’s a worship pastor started hiking once a week. At first it was just for exercise, but soon he realized those hikes gave him a chance to breathe, pray, and process stress. Being in creation reminded him that God is bigger than his to-do list. He came back to his team more present, less irritable, and with fresh perspective.For him, meaning wasn’t about adding more to his plate — it was about carving out space to reconnect with God and his calling.
My family and I bought a small farm a couple years ago. We raise a lot of our own food (chickens, turkeys, hogs, and gardening). We don’t have a lot of property, about 6 acres, but I still get an opportunity almost weekly to spend 4-6 hours on a mower. It’s some of the best time of my week. I’m able to mindlessly do a task that is very rewarding when I’m done, plus I get to decompress my brain and think through the week, the conversations that took place, the things I want to accomplish. All of those things bring me back to meaning a purpose.
Final Encouragement
The reality is, ministry will always be demanding. There will always be another meeting, another sermon, another person who needs you. But you’ll never be able to give your best if you’re running on empty.
These five habits — engaging in spiritual disciplines, cultivating community, practicing gratitude, serving others, and seeking meaning — aren’t quick fixes. They’re daily choices that slowly shape you into a healthier leader.
If you want to last in ministry, don’t just invest in your work. Invest in your soul.
What’s one habit you can put into practice this week?
Start small, stay consistent, and watch how God meets you there.🔗 Explore More Leadership Resources
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