An excellent practice I have personally developed and now recommend to leaders is a regular self-reflection hour. Taking this dedicated time in your calendar to pause and reflect on your actions, decisions, and experiences can be incredibly transformative.
I’ve also developed a sample list of questions for leaders.
These are designed to provoke thoughtful introspection, helping you to identify strengths, recognize areas for improvement, and stay aligned with your core values and mission.
The practice of intentional reflection will help you grow a healthy church.
Why is a regular self-reflection hour a good idea?
Proverbs has some interesting advice for those who want to live a wise life.
Proverbs 14:8 says, “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.”
Likewise, Proverbs 14:15 says, “The prudent give thought to their steps.”
I think everyone randomly gives thoughts to their ways as they go about their daily business but there’s something to be gained from having a regularly scheduled hour during which you focus on specific questions.
I believe this time is especially important for pastors as they lead their congregations.
Reflecting regularly can help improve your leadership by evaluating specific areas for growth over time. These areas could include ministry, spiritual growth, or even how your heart may be opening toward something God is asking you to do.
I’ve found this practice has kept me focused on the majors. It also has given me time to consider new ideas. This practice has helped me become a more contemplative leader and slowed down the perpetual rush hour of my life.
What an opportunity!
Leaders wrestle with complex situations and often are overwhelmed, tired, and on the edge of burnout. In John’s book 27 Ways to Avoid Burnout you will discover pragmatic and proven solutions.
John has seen countless leaders apply these solutions and enjoy a dramatic turnaround in their emotional energy and mental health.
Steps and Sample Questions for Leaders to Reflect
In Luke 5, after Jesus healed the man with leprosy, the Bible says in verse 16 that, Jesus often withdrew to lonely places.
Regular time to reflect and pray is biblical. It is important to take intentional time to look back on what has happened and to think ahead on what is to come.
Jesus did, and so should we.
To make things simple, here are some starter questions church leaders can use for evaluation.
1. Where?
The best way to conduct this time is in a quiet place that you enjoy. The main criteria is that you are relaxed, unrushed and enjoying that environment. It may be a favorite room at home, in a café, at the beach, in a forest or even on a plane.
2. When?
Set aside an hour every month or so to run through this list, or a list you have created yourself.
It can be helpful to build in time to reflect on the past few months, the past year, and the coming year to see where you have made progress and where you can continue to grow.
3. How?
Simply, ask yourself questions like these and act on your answers.
Record your answers in Evernote, so you can track your answers from month to month and year to year.
Make sure your diary is handy as you will undoubtedly add action items to it.
Personal
How’s my marriage?
How’s my relationship with my kids?
How are my relationships with my friends and colleagues?
What can I do in the next month to strengthen these relationships?
How are my energy levels?
What do I need to start doing?
What do I need to stop doing
Leadership
What are some things my church needs?
How’s our discipleship as a church?
What’s the Holy Spirit saying our services need?
What church members could use my attention?
How can we be more Christ-focused as a church?
Effective Ministry Requires Evaluation
Regularly assessing your personal life and ministry is crucial for staying on course.
After you have taken stock, create an action plan to implement your findings and move forward effectively.
This proactive approach ensures that the answers to your questions translate into meaningful progress, helping you to stay aligned with your goals and continue growing a healthy church.
Want more questions?
Join the Hub and get full access to the Personal Reflection Toolkit.
Leaders wrestle with complex situations and often are overwhelmed, tired, and on the edge of burnout. In John’s book 27 Ways to Avoid Burnout you will discover pragmatic and proven solutions.
John has seen countless leaders apply these solutions and enjoy a dramatic turnaround in their emotional energy and mental health.
