1. When faced with a major decision, look to God for advice before deciding anything. The roots of your church and every aspect of it thereafter should be strongly based in what God wants for you, not necessarily what you want or think is best.
2. Don’t be discouraged when things don’t go as planned. Pray to God for help and wisdom, obey Him, and trust that He has a plan for you that will be a blessing. Keep in mind that the power lies with Him, not with you.
3. Take some time to reflect on your motives and attitude when trying to grow. Make sure you pursue healthy, carefully monitored growth. Don’t sacrifice the ideals your church was based on in pursuit of rapid growth.
4. Make sure you’re working from God’s vision. Continuing from the last point—even outside of growth, being based on what God wants is important. Remember, you’re the builder, not the architect.
5. Let God lead you, and lead by example. Don’t dwell on your flaws, failings and weaknesses. Put your ministry in God’s perfect hands. Carefully select leaders to help you with your duties so you don’t get overwhelmed. Give them responsibility, but also aid them—be an equipper. Maintain organization in your church and have a plan to keep everyone involved, but balanced.
6. Keep your time with God and your family as priorities. Time alone with God is vital in preserving your sanity and maintaining the best church you can. Don’t sacrifice your family for your ministry—problems at home will affect your church.
7. Be outwardly focused. Instead of neglecting the outside world, remember that each member of your congregation has God-given gifts. Encourage them to use their gifts and focus on ministering to others—let them see themselves as deliverers of ministry, not just recipients. Give them the resources they need to make a difference in the world.
8. Have an abundance mentality. Be confident that God has a plan and He will restore what you give. Giving is about the heart—remind your congregation that blessings are a byproduct of, not motivation for giving.
9. Remember that relationships with your members are important. Put relationships first above personal needs, corporate accomplishment and policy. Forge deep, meaningful relationships with as many in the congregations as you’re able.
10. Create a good church culture. What you emphasize, teach, model, celebrate, reward or punish will shape your church’s culture. Your actions decide if yours will be a church of worship, generosity or community. However, keep in mind that worship is not a show. It should come from the heart and God’s vision for you. (Click to learn more about the book The Blessed Church.)