6. Don’t waste others’ time. It’s the only thing you can’t give back.
7. Ask good questions. Are a learner.
8. Admit mistakes and ask forgiveness. Are humble.
9. Include volunteer leaders in the decision and execution process. Frankly, they’re probably better at it than most staff.
10. Apply volunteer skill to task.
11. Have meetings before the meeting.
12. Put on good quality events showing you have given it much thought.
13. Deliver sermons that answer the questions people are asking.
14. Demand and do things with excellence.
15. Have the courage to make hard decisions and be willing to live with the results.
16. Are committed to the vision and do not let others hijack it.
17. Build mutually beneficial relationships with leaders.
18. See potential in others and unleash it.
19. Show you have studied and are prepared.
20. Finish on time.
21. Do things that are memorable.
These are things every pastor and church leader can do to increase trust. And when you do them, you will then gain the support, credibility, funding and trust to attempt even greater things.
Church members know pastors and church leaders are not perfect. They understand seminary taught you Greek and Hebrew but not how to be a CEO of an organization. They appreciate the fact you tried something and it failed because you were trying to reach lost people.
However, your congregational leaders simply will not accept sanitized incompetence, inefficiency or a lack of preparation because it was done in the name of Jesus. That would not be an acceptable excuse where they work. And it is not an acceptable excuse where pastors and church leaders work either.
Trust can be gained or lost by if you are making and executing wise and timely decisions over an extended period of time. Make good ones, and if you don’t know what to do, ask for help. Trust me.