SermonCentral Logo SermonCentral Logo Sermon Central
Preaching Articles

In the book First, Break all the Rules, by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, they list 12 core questions the Gallup organization discovered that when asked, give organizations the information they need to attract, focus on, and keep the most talented employees. I’ve included them here as a helpful set of questions about effective leadership pastors should ask themselves and ask about those who serve on their staff.

12 core questions about effective leadership

  1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
  2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
  3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
  4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work?
  5. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
  6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
  7. At work, do my opinions count?
  8. Does the mission/purpose of my church make me feel my job is important?
  9. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
  10. Do I have a best friend at work?
  11. In the last six months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress?
  12. This last year, have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?

Questions have a way of making us think deeply.

What questions would you add to this list?

Charles Stone (website: CharlesStone.com)


As a pastor for over 43 years, Charles served as a lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter in churches from 50 to over 1,000. He now coaches and equips pastors and teams to effectively navigate the unique challenges ministry brings. By blending biblical principles with cutting-edge brain-based practices he helps them enhance their leadership abilities, elevate their preaching/ teaching skills, and prioritize self-care. He has written 7 books, earned 5 degrees (including two doctorates) has been married for 43 years, and has 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. For more information and to follow his blogs, visit 

www.charlesstone.com
Browse All

Related Preaching Articles

More Preaching Articles >>

Talk about it...
Ken Mckinley avatar

Ken Mckinley

commented on May 7, 2016

This "article" seems to be just filler. Where do we go after answering these questions and thinking deeply about them? In the past month I have counseled with two of my peers (pastors), both of whom have more than 15 years in ministry. Both feel that the culture and the culture of the Church has moved out from under them. They feel ineffective, ill equipped, and basically like they're trapped in a hamster wheel. Both of them feel like they should leave the ministry, but feel trapped in the fact that companies, corporations, businesses, etc. feel that pastoral skills are not transferable. So what do we do to help these two men who both love God, love their neighbors like themselves, love Christ's Church, know and love Scripture, but who would answer these 12 questions in a way that most would claim means they are poor or ineffective leaders?

Danny Edwards avatar

Danny Edwards

commented on May 7, 2016

I agree with Ken, great questions, but no answers. No sure how this article was helpful or if I missed the purpose of this article.

Join the discussion
Popular Preaching Resources

New Sermon Series Now Available

Everything you need for your next series

AI Sermon Generator

Generate sermon ideas with a safe, secure tool for solid preaching.

Biblical Sermon Calendar

Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching

Sermon Research Assistant

Free custom sermon in 5-10 minutes!

Topical Sermon Calendar

Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year

Funeral Sermon Generator

Create a personalized, heartfelt funeral sermon

Sermon Kits for Preaching

Faithful to the Finish

Peter's final call to a young and growing church

Grace and Glory

A short series through the highlights of 1 Peter

Entrusted

Gifts, risk, and the return of the King