“You’ll do it because I’m your boss.“

For some reason, this statement motivated a previous generation. Not in this post-modern world! This kind of statement is a surefire way to get a team member to quit. Note, I said “team member“.

The above statement can be applied tenfold to anyone in charge of directing ministry leaders in a local church context. If you’re a pastor, heed my warning, NEVER use the word boss in reference to yourself within a ministry context!

If you desire to motivate your team, you need to be a coach, not a boss.

Let’s break that down for a moment. A coach has to motivate a team of people, who are working super hard for free! Yes, professional athletes receive payment for their work, but in my opinion, that’s why most of them lose their hearts for the sport.

An athlete earning a pittance of a salary with the hopes of more extraordinary things to come seems to work harder than anyone who has already arrived. Ex. When I lived in Calgary, AB, the Calgary Hitmen (WHL) games were far more entertaining than the Calgary Flames (NHL) games. (Hitmen Hockey was just better entertainment!)

If you’re in full-time ministry, I’m going to assume that you and your team aren’t in it for the money or fame either. You’ll have to find other motivators in order to be successful. You’ll need to raise the standard of morale somehow, or it’ll be impossible to keep your ministry team together. And coaches do this best!

1. Coaches acknowledge extra effort.

Even when the slightest display of hard work or extra effort is given, coaches are excellent at recognizing it and acknowledging it. Granted hearing “at a boy” from a senior pastor might feel a little awkward, but you get the idea.

2. Coaches celebrate wins with pride.

When a milestone has been hit, the pride of a coach doesn’t sit with self-gratification. A jubilant celebration is given over to the team. It’s not about what a great coach he or she is; it’s about how hard the team worked to achieve that win.

3. Coaches rise out of defeat.

This is when a coach really shines. When morale is low and everything seems to be against the team, a coach does not cocoon himself in his office. He gathers the team, looks them straight in the eye, takes ownership of the defeat, then rallies them back to health.

By embracing a coaching mentality, you’ll build strength and unity.

A coach is able to take all the value and self-worth that has been lost through trial and defeat and bring it back to the forefront of his team with a renewed vision. The team is empowered and ready to tackle the next challenge.

Now I realize I picked on senior ministry leaders today, but this really goes for every leader. Look over the above three reasons and ask yourself whether or not you have been effectively coaching your team.

If not, it’s time for everyone to take a knee, it’s time for you to accept responsibility and lay out a new game plan. “At a boy!“

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

• Do you think coaches make great pastors?
• How would your ministry change if you took a coaching perspective?
• How would your church change with a targeted ministry team approach?