Tool: A culture of leader care

A healthy Christian organisation will not only prioritise the development and empowerment of its people, but also their care. And this care must include the leaders themselves!

Often, Christian ministries – especially churches – will have great systems of care for the people but not the leaders. We tend to think of the leaders as strong and not needing much from others.

As a result, many Christian leaders around the world are worn out and burned out!
In the New Testament, we see a beautiful practice of care for the leaders. There are several examples of people visiting Paul specifically just to care for him!

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

1 Corinthians 16:17-18; see also 2 Timothy 1:16-17; Romans 16:13

Jesus Himself needed encouragement and care in the Garden of Gethsemane. That was why He took His disciples with Him; but when they fell asleep, God sent an angel to do it (Luke 22:43)!

Here are some practical ideas for you and your leadership team to consider for caring for every leader in your organisation:

• Establish a leader care team, one of whom will call or meet with every leader (and their spouse) at least once a month to pray with them and enquire about their well-being in every area of life.
• Every leader has one (paid) spiritual retreat day per month.
• Every leader has one (paid) spiritual retreat week per year.

• Every leader has one family week per year.
• If the leaders travel, then they may take one family member on a ministry trip once or twice a year.
• Every leader has at least one intercessor with whom he meets or communicates at least once a month and who prays for him, his family, his work.
• Every leader has at least one spiritual friend with whom he can share his genuine struggles, communicating at least once a month.
• Every leader has a physical health, dental and eye exam each year (for those over 30).
• Leaders are encouraged and given practical help to have healthy habits of eating, exercising and sleeping.
• Provide proactive marriage retreats (and counseling as necessary).

With your leadership team, use the above ideas to launch your own specific leader care strategies and share a strong culture of leader care.

Healthy organisations need healthy leaders!