Podcast Episode #368

Reactivity can hurt a pastor's ministry, but so many pastors are more reactive than proactive. Today, we examine seven traits of a proactive pastor.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

* When looking ahead, plan and communicate for the future.

* A proactive pastor is one who brings chaos back to order.

* The more you develop relationships, the more freedom you will have to lead.

* Sermon prep should have more importance on your calendar than anything else you do as a pastor.

* Proactive pastors do not focus on critics.

* You will be hit with criticism as a pastor. How much will you let it detour you from what you're called to do?

* You can't do away with critics, but you can do away with unhelpful reactions to them.

* Emotions should follow actions, not determine them.

The seven characteristics we cover in this episode are:

* Looks ahead.

* Develops relationships well.

* Calendars in blocks of time.

* Does not focus on critics.

* Finds joy in the day-to-day work of ministry.

* Has a long-term perspective.

* Prays for their own leadership.

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you're a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It's limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.

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Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Podcast

* Five Big Problems for Small Churches, featuring Karl Vaters – Rainer on Leadership #338

* Why It Takes Five to Seven Years to Become the Pastor of a Church

* Revitalize & Replant