Leadership in ministry is full of responsibility—casting vision, caring for people, making decisions, navigating challenges. But there’s one leadership mistake that tends to sneak in quietly, often wrapped in good intentions.
It’s this: trying to lead alone.
Whether out of pressure, pride, fear, or even past wounds, many Christian leaders take on too much, carry it alone, and eventually burn out.
I speak from experience. This is the one aspect of leadership I struggle with the most—especially when I was interim president of the EC, and we had little to no staff.
But here’s how to recognize this pattern—and what to do instead.
1. The Lone Leader Trap
It often starts with noble intentions:
- You want to protect others from stress
- You feel the weight of responsibility
- You think, “It’s just easier if I do it myself”
But leading in isolation slowly becomes a habit—and a hazard. It disconnects you from community, blinds you to your limits, and makes you vulnerable to discouragement and burnout.
2. Why We Fall Into It
Christian leaders often feel the need to be strong for everyone else. Add in people-pleasing, fear of looking weak, or difficulty trusting others, and it’s easy to understand how lone leadership happens.
But leadership doesn’t mean carrying the weight alone—it means carrying it faithfully.
3. How to Break the Pattern
Invite others in.
- Start with trusted voices—elders, staff, mentors, or fellow leaders
- Be honest about what’s heavy
- Ask for feedback, not just affirmation
Delegate responsibility.
- Empower others to lead ministries, manage projects, or care for people
- Don’t just give tasks—share ownership
Pursue soul care, not just leadership development.
- Stay in God’s Word for you, not just your next message
- Make space for spiritual friendship and pastoral support
4. What Happens When You Lead in Community
- You lead from a healthier place
- You model humility and teamwork
- You avoid isolation and resentment
- You raise up other leaders—not just doers
Ministry was never meant to be a solo calling. Even Jesus led with others.
Final Thoughts
The most common leadership mistake isn’t moral failure—it’s trying to lead faithfully without leaning on others.
You don’t need to prove your strength. You need to steward your calling. And that starts with letting others carry it with you.
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