Jesse Reimers

Pastoring a small church can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. While the intimate nature of small congregations allows for close relationships, it also means that conflicts and disagreements can be more personal and intense. As a pastor, it's important to lead with love and wisdom, even when dealing with those who don't like you. This week, we'll explore strategies to help small church pastors navigate these complex situations with grace and compassion. 1. Self-Reflection and Humility Before addressing the issue of leading those who don't like you, it's essential to engage in some self-reflection. Recognize that not everyone will agree with your leadership style or decisions. Be open to feedback and consider the possibility that you may have made mistakes. Humility is a valuable trait for any pastor, as it allows you to approach conflicts with a willingness to learn and grow. 2. Active Listening To address the concerns of those who may not like you, it...

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it's essential for small church pastors to remember that this time of year offers a unique opportunity to foster gratitude and community within your congregation. Despite the challenges and limitations that small churches may face, there are countless ways to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with your church family. This week, we will explore how small church pastors can make the most of this special season to cultivate a sense of gratitude and togetherness. 1. A Grateful Heart Starts with You Before you can inspire a spirit of gratitude in your congregation, it's crucial to cultivate it within yourself. Take time for self-reflection and focus on the blessings you've experienced in your life and ministry. Share your own journey of gratitude with your congregation to lead by example. 2. Express Thankfulness in Worship Incorporate thanksgiving and gratitude into your church services during the Thanksgiving season. Include special pra...

Small church pastors play a crucial role in fostering spiritual growth and community in their congregations. However, like any leadership role, it's not without its challenges. One challenge that pastors often face is the presence of leadership blind spots – those areas where their self-awareness is lacking. This week, we will explore the importance of identifying these blind spots and offer practical guidance on how to address them to become more effective leaders in the context of small churches. The Nature of Leadership Blind Spots Leadership blind spots are aspects of your leadership style, decision-making, or interactions with others that you are unaware of or tend to overlook. These blind spots can hinder your ability to lead effectively and can be particularly challenging to detect in small church settings where the lines between leadership and congregation are often blurred. The Importance of Identifying Leadership Blind Spots 1. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Recognizing your l...