Average. Mediocre. Run-of-the-mill. These are not the terms we want applied to our lives or our work. But, despite the fact that average is not your goal, is it your current reality?

This 3-part series focuses on what it means to become a Renegade Pastor by equipping you to abandon average in your life and ministry. We will challenge you to move toward the excellence and impact you are called to.

In Part 1, we’re highlighting the commitment to follow your Lord.

FOLLOW THE LEADER
Have you ever let distractions wedge themselves between you and Jesus? Have you dropped back from Jesus’ guidance and found yourself too far away to make out His whispers?

Following closely behind Jesus to hear what He’s saying is critical to your life and ministry. If you aren’t being a good follower, you’re not well equipped to lead.

Maybe, you find yourself in a season of ministry that feels mediocre rather than powerful. Could it be that you need to re-anchor yourself in Christ?

EXAMPLES FROM SCRIPTURE
When it comes to ministering in our churches, we must model our leadership after what we see in God’s Word. If you look back through the Scriptures, you see that the strongest biblical leaders have always been the greatest followers. Abraham followed God to a place he knew nothing about, based on God’s promises to him (see Gen. 12:1-3). He has been called a father of the faith due to his willingness to abide with God.

Moses led more than 600,000 people out of Egypt on a journey toward the Promised Land (see Exod. 12:31-42). Because Moses was committed to following his Lord as he led others, future leaders like Joshua benefited from his faithfulness and were able to walk in his example.

Jesus Himself is the greatest example of authentic followership. Jesus’ life was centered on the purpose of walking in step with and bringing glory to His Father. As He identified His inner circle, Jesus said, “Come, follow me” (Mark 1:17). He didn’t say, “Take care of your family needs, make sure your business is in order, and then we’ll talk.”

As the disciples made following Jesus their top priority, their lives were transformed. Through intimate, ongoing communion with Jesus, they were not only strengthened personally but also better equipped to minister to the countless others who would be entrusted to their leadership.

OVERCOMING EXCUSES
Follow your Lord in the same way these great examples throughout history have. Make your communion with Him more important than anything else in your life.

Everything you do as a leader, a spouse, a parent, a mentor, and a friend hinges on how good a follower you are. There have likely been times in your life when you’ve been so close to Jesus that you could hear His every whisper.

I encourage you to pause here for some self-evaluation: Right now, how intimate is your relationship with Jesus? Are you right on His heels, positioned to hear every word that comes out of His mouth? Are you dropping back and allowing other people or things to come between you and Him? Your answers to these questions are directly linked to the current state of your life and ministry.

Too often, I hear stressed-out pastors complain that the demands of ministry keep them from following God like they want to — that the never-ending needs of church and family rob them of their intimate, personal connection with the Lord.

Maybe you have felt that way. But here’s the truth: The only way doing the work of God can destroy the work of God in you is if you let it. After all, you know that’s not God’s intention; He wants quite the opposite. So, overcome the excuses. Prioritize your personal relationship with God first and foremost. Don’t let anything stand in the way.

Everything you do in ministry should flow from a deep place of strength as you continually follow God more and more closely. And it can. All you have to do is align your priorities the way God intended. Make the commitment to follow your Lord and put your personal walk with Him first in your life. As you experience abundant life in Christ, you will see the same fullness in your ministry.

Be sure to tune in to the rest of our series over the next few weeks to learn about more commitments you can make to abandon average in your life and instead, live as a Renegade Pastor!

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

P.S. When it comes to abandoning average and living a no-holds-barred life of a Renegade Pastor, you must follow 7 essential commitments. By following through with these, you can leave mediocrity behind for good and move toward the excellence and impact you are called to.

Take the risk-free step today to test out the 7 commitments and my Renegade Pastors Network for only $1. You’ll receive 60 days of coaching including tools and strategies just for senior pastors, training calls, a print newsletter, a private member hub with bonus content and much more!

You’ll also receive a free copy of my book, The Renegade Pastor, and other free resources (over $895.45 value).

Click here to learn more and give it a try.

$1 test drive will be open thru Friday only.

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.