5 Reasons Good Christian Leaders Leave

As a veteran leader, I have watched my share of Christian Leaders exit places of responsibility over the years. There were some who made unwise decisions necessitating a change. But for far too many, I observed another heartbreaking phenomenon.

If I had to put it into words, I would say it like this:  Often good leaders don’t leave organizations/churches that they hate: they leave the ones they love. Leaving is not a result of them being angry or upset: they are just tired and used up…they feel they don’t have anything left to give. In reality, this travesty could have been avoided by good leadership.

Although there are probably one hundred reasons this is true, I have identified five I feel represent broad areas of concern. Each of these should be building blocks in good leadership to help prevent the loss of Good Leaders. When these areas are missing or misplaced the results are less than desirable.

Trust – When there is a lack of trust in the leadership relationship, then the relationship is doomed. Stephen Covey’s excellent book The Speed of Trust addresses this topic exceptionally well for leaders. It is must reading. If Trust is not at the foundation between the leader and the one being led, then this is the place to begin.

Communication – Without clear, concise and consistent communication from those in leadership, there will be frustration and misunderstanding. Leaders must continually communicate directions, passion, purpose, heart and strategy

Expectation – When supervisors are “out of touch” with those working for them, they tend to expect too much. Good leaders become “used up!” A survey of Pastors and leaders revealed:

• 84 percent say they’re on call 24 hours a day
• 80 percent expect conflict in their church
• 54 percent find the role of pastor frequently overwhelming
• 48 percent often feel the demands of ministry are more than they can handle
• 21 percent say their church has unrealistic expectations of them

Compensation – Good leaders are willing to give and to sacrifice, but they have to live and provide for their families. They simply want to know someone in leadership is looking out for everyone and not just a few. People will sacrifice if they know there is equity within the organization/church. There are only a few extreme people who were delusional enough to think they would get rich in the ministry. Most are simply looking for equity.

Affirmation – All of us need to know we are valued. Yes, Jesus loves us. But it is nice to hear someone with skin on express what we are doing matters. Some leaders just feel useless. They don’t leave because no one ever brags on them, they leave because they don’t feel affirmed or needed. Affirmation is a great form of encouragement at which the Apostle Paul was a master.

I am not advocating quitting or leaving if everything is not perfect. No such place exists. However those of us in leadership need to take our role and responsibility seriously. The writer of Hebrews does as he says in 13:7, that if we are in leadership we “watch for your souls.”