Leading a start-up ministry is different from leading a growing or mature organisation. In this section, you’ll explore the mindset and behaviours that help leaders navigate uncertainty while remaining faithful to God’s calling.
During this stage, leadership is less about managing systems and more about inspiring people, solving problems, and building momentum.
Effective start-up leaders need to understand that not everything will be perfect, and that’s okay.
You may be the person who:
- sees the vision;
- makes decisions;
- solves problems;
- speaks to partners;
- manages resources;
- recruits people;
- communicates with stakeholders;
- delivers the programme;
- and steps in whenever something goes wrong.
Sometimes this is necessary.
But if it continues indefinitely, it can create founder dependency.
Jesus developed people through participation
Jesus did not simply tell His disciples what to do.
He taught them through real situations.
They watched Him. They asked questions. They made mistakes. They participated in ministry. Eventually, they were sent out themselves.
This is an important principle for start-up leaders:
People develop responsibility by being given meaningful responsibility.
Think about the responsibilities you currently carry.
Choose one responsibility and answer:
- What am I currently responsible for?
- Why do I believe I need to keep doing it?
- Could someone else eventually own this?
- What would that person need from me to succeed?