Preaching and leadership shape a church’s culture. If the Great Commission isn’t a core theme from the pulpit and in staff meetings, it likely won’t be a priority in the pews.
Here’s how to lead with mission in mind:
1. Preach for Mission Activation
Move beyond inspiration to implementation. Challenge listeners to:
Identify their spiritual gifts
Engage their personal networks
Participate in the church’s outreach efforts
Use real-life examples and stories of impact to show that outreach is for everyone, not just pastors.
2. Align Your Teaching Calendar With the Mission
Plan sermon series that:
Highlight Jesus’ method of making disciples
Explore the Book of Acts and the early church’s outreach
Address barriers to outreach such as fear, apathy, or confusion
Tie your messages to action. Suggest practical ways to live out the teachings every week.
3. Lead Staff and Board With Mission Metrics
Every team meeting is a chance to reinforce the mission. Track things like:
New people reached or invited
Baptisms and faith stories
Volunteer and small group engagement
Celebrate spiritual wins often. Remind your leaders that the goal isn’t just running programs. It’s making disciples.
4. Use Resources That Support Your Vision
The Focus On Mission book series can become a shared language across your church. Use it in:
Staff devotionals
Leadership retreats
Sermon planning
Church member training
Books like Leadership, Culture, and Outreach help align staff, leaders, and elders.
Lead With Clarity. Preach With Purpose.
Your church takes on the personality of its leaders. When you lead with mission in mind, others follow. Set the tone. Keep the Great Commission front and center.
Equip your leaders with tools that drive transformation.
Dr. Tracee J. Swank serves as the leader of Church Doctor Ministries. As a certified church consultant, Christian leadership coach, Building a StoryBrand Guide, and Business Made Simple Coach, Tracee serves as a strategic guide and coach for pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs. Tracee is committed to helping others carry out their vision and mission in the Kingdom using the gifts, skills, and resources God has provided.