Leadership

Pastor affirmation
Most likely, the longer you're in ministry, the less consistent affirmation you will receive. (Lightstock )

There is a sobering reality every pastor and leader needs to understand. Knowing this one thing can protect your career, help keep you from burning out and guard your heart.

I see this impact leaders from all generations but, I must be honest, I probably see it even more in our youngest generation of leaders entering the workforce.

You ready for the sobering reality?

The longer you do what you do well, the less praise you'll receive for it.

Have you experienced it? If you don't understand this principle you'll often feel disappointed—like no one cares—like they didn't even notice the good work you are doing.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

The fact is everyone loves to praise the new guy, the guest appearance, the surprise home run.

One of my favorite examples is the guest speaker who has delivered the same message 42 times and has gotten really good at it. Everyone says "best sermon ever." Of course—they have practiced it a few times.

But, when you've been there a while, when you try to do well every week, when you hit home runs almost every time up to bat—people stop cheering as loudly.

Once you do exceptional for very long it becomes the new norm.

It's expected. It is now your new average. Everyone expects you to be wonderful—every time. They've gained a certain confidence in your ability.

And, you can naturally expect to hear less approval, less "good jobs" and less "that was amazing" comments.

It's not necessarily that you aren't doing a good job anymore. You've simply set a new bar of expectation.

Of course, part of improving is to continually raise our own bar of expectations, but if you're realizing this sobering reality, you've done something right.

And, for that, I must say, congratulations!

I intend this post to be an encouragement, but also to serve as a warning of sorts.

The quietness of the new norm can make you think you're no longer appreciated. If you're not careful, you'll begin to doubt your abilities or the success you are still having.

Those emotions—and the reactions to them—are normal, even if they aren't true.

I'm not ignoring times when you aren't doing your best. Don't be an unaware leader.

I'm not trying to convince you not to be normal. That would be abnormal of me.

I am encouraging you to seek your affirmation beyond the verbal praise of man.

I am saying if you live for the praise of others, you'll eventually be controlled by their praise (or lack thereof).

And I am reminding you: You may be doing everything right, but seldom hear all the good you're doing.

This is part of leadership. And, the leader who can lead just as passionately towards a noble goal, without the praise of others—even perhaps in times when criticism seems more dominant—is on track for success.

Have you ever been in a "normal" season of producing good work, but not feeling valued for it?

Ron Edmondson is the senior pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. For the original article, visit ronedmondson.com.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.



Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.

Charisma Leader — Serving and empowering church leaders