Not long ago I was spending time with some young pastors, hoping to learn how leaders today define ministry success. The word “influence” seemed to be a common theme. Many leaders obsess over growing their followers, gaining digital credibility, and creating captivating sound bites for social media. While there is nothing wrong with having a following, there exists a pressure and allure to making that the primary scorecard for ministry impact. This way of thinking only leads to destruction. In many ways, this is nothing new. The 3 deadly temptations that Jesus faced in the desert, are the exact temptations we face as leaders, no matter what generation you are from. Anthony the Great, a desert father, said, “This is the great work of a man: always to take the blame for his own sins before God and to expect temptation till the last breath!” But if we learn to face these temptations and receive. Read more.

Great leadership is about knowing who you are and who you are not. In part one of this podcast series, I shared the first 5 marks of a highly-differentiated leader. On today’s podcast, I continue by sharing 5 more attributes that deserve careful consideration. Why? Because the cost of lowly-differentiated leadership is enormous: We diminish the long-term impact of our ministries. We allow the wrong people exercise power and leadership. We perpetuate immaturity. We grow resentful and live in dis-ease. We waste the time, energy, and money of God’s people. We increase anxiety in everyone around us. We, and our community, become less playful (and more “intense/heavy.”) The good news is that godly, highly-differentiated leadership is the pathway to freedom, a lighter yoke, less worry, better relationships, clearer goals, and more joy! With you on the journey, Pete Scazzero

Everything rises and falls on the character and inner life of the leader. The apostle Paul seemed to believe so as well. He writes to his spiritual son Timothy that “whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” (1 Tim. 3:1) I believe the great need of our day is for us to become godly, highly-differentiated leaders while developing other leaders in the same way. In today’s episode, I share five marks of a highly-differentiated leader and how to start becoming one today. Truth be told – it’s hard work. But MUCH harder should you avoid the work. Highly-differentiated leadership is the pathway to freedom, a lighter yoke, less worry, better relationships, clearer goals, and more joy!

Every day, people all around us live in a chronic state of dread, anxious about what tomorrow will bring. Nations and economies are crumbling. News media agitates our deepest fears. It often feels like the ground is shaking beneath our feet. In a time like this, it is critical that we continue to LIVE and LEAD out of deep rest in Christ. But how do we break free from the gravitational pull of bad news and despair? I believe we must recalibrate a biblical vision of HOPE. (Hint: it’s more than optimism) Let’s be clear – this doesn’t happen easily. We must contend for God’s vision of reality and vigilantly pursue deep rest in Christ. In today’s podcast episode, I share keys to cultivating hope and deep rest. With you on the journey, Pete Scazzero  

Hiring new staff (paid or volunteer) is one of the most difficult responsibilities of church leadership.  The difference between the right hire and the wrong hire will have a long-term consequences in your church. Two weeks ago on the podcast, I brought the first part of “Emotionally Healthy Hiring (Paid or Volunteer)”, in which we covered the first 7 principles that leaders must consider before making a hire. Today, I bring the second part, offering the next 6 out of 13 principles for emotionally healthy hiring. (It’s shocking to hear how often principle #11 is overlooked when hiring staff!) ➡️ Along with this episode, today we launch a FREE resource bundle to help you craft a “Rule of Life” for your staff and leadership team. I pray it is helpful! With you on the journey, Pete Scazzero