7 Ways To Grow Yourself As A Pastor & Unlock Your Potential

I get it. The weight of leading a church is immense.

It’s a calling that demands our all.

Back in 2014, I launched GrowChurch with the motto: “Grow yourself, grow your church.”

Because, truth be told, our church’s growth is intertwined with our personal growth.

Yes, you can do a stellar job welcoming visitors, have a systematic follow-up process, preach killer sermons, build strong volunteer teams and all that good stuff…

But deep down, we both know our church’s growth mirrors our own.

And when you invest in developing and growing yourself as a pastor it’s a win-win:

You win and your church wins.

So let’s get into the actionable ways you can grow as a pastor and take your leadership game to the next level.

7 Ways You Can Grow Yourself As A Pastor

1. Join Church Fuel

Being a pastor can sometimes feel like a solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be.

That’s where Church Fuel comes in.

Become a part of this dynamic community and you’ll connect with over 4,000 like-minded pastors who understand the highs and lows of leading a church.

It’s a place where you can freely exchange ideas, get feedback, ask questions and get the right answers for your ministry.

You’ll also get:

Personalised 1-on-1 Coaching: Tailored guidance to help you navigate the unique challenges of your ministry journey.
A Wealth of Ready-Made Resources: Access to over 200 meticulously crafted tools and docs designed to streamline your operations.
15 In-Depth Courses: Dive into step-by-step courses including LeaderPulse, Building Your Ministry Plan Course, The Inviting Course, The Pastor’s Book Club, The Leadership Course, The Systems Course, The Giving Course and more…

If you’re looking to grow yourself as a pastor, this is it.

Learn More About Church Fuel »

2. Read/Listen

Audiobooks, books, blogs, podcasts, YouTube – there’s a wealth of information out there.

But you already knew that…

What you need is to develop a personal growth plan.

You’ve already committed to growth otherwise you wouldn’t be sitting there reading this post – you just need to decide what, when and where:

What

Write down a list of books and blogs you want to read, podcasts and audiobooks you want to listen to.

Take a look at:

When

Decide exactly when you’re going to invest time into your personal development.

It could be an hour every day from 4-5pm or every Saturday afternoon or the last Saturday of the month. For me, this is two Saturdays a month. Do whatever works best for you.

Block the time out in your calendar and keep it a priority.

Where

Every other Saturday, it’s become a personal ritual to explore the hidden gems of Bangkok – those quaint little coffee shops and tucked-away cigar lounges, sanctuaries where I can truly disconnect and focus.

If you’re a bit old school like me, don’t forget to bring along your trusty notebook:

There’s something magical about putting pen to paper; it helps me digest what I’m learning and organise my thoughts and ideas.

Keep it simple and relaxed, and just take a day to yourself. Find that special space, and let inspiration find you.

3. Befriend Other Pastors

I’m a firm believer that everyone we meet has something to teach us, but there’s something special about learning from fellow pastors who have already achieved what you want to achieve.

This wisdom can be found in pastors both near and far, whether they’re in your own city or beyond. Sometimes, it’s worth taking that flight to meet them in person, even if it’s just once a year.

Seeking out mentors in your life isn’t merely about accumulating knowledge. It’s about cultivating enduring friendships that will profoundly shape your journey as a pastor.

It’s about the vibrant exchange of ideas, inspiration, and insights, the sharing of experiences, and the mutual encouragement that equips you to become a better pastor.

So, don’t hesitate to reach out. Extending your hand in friendship with fellow pastors can be the most transformative step you ever take.

4. Spend Time In Each Dept

Immerse yourself in each area of your church, take a genuine interest and you’ll gain new skills and develop a greater appreciation for the remarkable work they do.

This immersion brings an added bonus – it bolsters the motivation of your teams.

By walking alongside them, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs they go through and the passion they invest in their roles.

Foster open communication. Encourage questions and actively seek feedback from your team members. This not only positions you as a pastor but as a leader who genuinely understands and supports the intricate workings of your church.

5. Visit Other Churches

Another fantastic way to fuel your growth as a pastor is to step back into the shoes of a church visitor.

Every now and then visit other churches and watch how they run the service, connect with new people and reach out to the community.

See what works and what could be tweaked. Be inspired by what’s possible.

6. Attend A Leadership Conference

If you’re part of a church network, chances are you’ve got an annual summit on your calendar. It’s a great opportunity to connect, learn, and rub shoulders with fellow church leaders.

If you’re not part of a church network?

No worries – here’s a list of 21 best church leadership conferences.

Take a look, find one you like and get it booked!

7. Mentor The Next Generation

There are hidden gems in your church just waiting for you to see and pull out their potential.

Focus on the people in your church who are F.A.T.:

Faithful
Accountable
Teachable

Invest your time and energy into them. Share your wisdom, walk alongside them and impart essential biblical leadership skills.

Make use of these 12 free leadership devotionals and go through them together.

Trust me, raising the next generation of leaders will grow you like nothing else.