As captain of your organization’s ship, you are responsible to chart the course, recruit the sailors and be ready to man the lifeboats. There’s a lot riding on your shoulders—the integrity of your vessel is at stake! Integrity is a direct reflection of yourself. Here are some tips for leading with integrity.
Stay on Course
More than likely, you have taken time to construct a mission statement—documenting the whats, whys and wherefores of your organization. Your next important priority will be to keep your organization focused on that mission.
Paul encouraged all New Testament leaders to stay on the same page by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (
Don’t Over-Promise
The integrity of many organizations has been tarnished by $100 ads for $10 programs. If it’s not going to be the “best,” “biggest,” “most spectacular,” “heavenly” event on the face of the earth, don’t promise that it will be.
Be Open About Plans and Programs
A lack of openness about organizational programs or plans is a surefire integrity killer. One senior pastor invited a young fellow to join the staff of his large congregation. Unfortunately, the senior pastor neglected to mention it to the church’s board or members. Imagine the embarrassment of that prospective staff member when he arrived on the scene. Not only was the position withdrawn, but the senior pastor lost his parking place within a couple of months.
Open the Books
People want to be informed when the cash flows and when it ebbs. One of the most important documents an organization can publish is its financial statement.
Promote Purity
The Christian leader must create a wholesome ministry environment. Schedule ministry in group settings rather than two-by-two. Encourage—even demand—that volunteers take regular time off from ministry. Guard interaction times to avoid borderline jokes and conversations.
Focus on the Main Thing
Christian organizations have as their purpose the mandate to win souls and build up believers. Recovery programs and ceramic-classes are viable only if they eventually lead back to the main track—evangelism.
War hero and former President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “If a man’s associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail.” The first great need for every leader is integrity. Maintain yours, and your church will, too.