COMMUNITY TAKING STRATEGIES: A Community Of Church Leaders, Leading A Community-Focused Church

Every local church, whether denominational or independent, must recognize and embrace its divine responsibility to positively impact its surrounding community. This is not optional—it is a kingdom mandate. Whether you are leading a small fellowship or a large assembly, you must be community-conscious.

Smaller congregations may face more challenges in making visible impact, but with vision, focus, prayer, and determination, any church—regardless of size—can become a lighthouse in its community. Church leaders must always remember that they are ambassadors of Christ in that environment (2 Corinthians 5:20). The effectiveness of a local assembly is greatly enhanced when the senior pastor is surrounded by a spiritually healthy team of leaders who are loyal, mature, and committed to the growth of the church and the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

A. BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

Key Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Timothy 3:8–13; Revelation 2–3

The Bible clearly supports leadership structure and accountability within the church. God’s design is that a senior shepherd (pastor) leads the flock, supported by a team of mature, Spirit-filled ministers such as associate pastors, elders, deacons, trustees, and church board members. This is the divine pattern.

The senior pastor must not just act as a feeder of sheep, but as a true leader who guides, directs, and leads the people in righteousness (Psalm 23:2–3).
No pastor is a one-man army—he needs anointed, trusted men and women by his side to fulfill the church’s vision.
Associate leaders must be selected prayerfully, based on spiritual maturity and godly character.
A leadership team should be a blend of faithfulness, teachability, and servant-heartedness.
Selections should be based on spiritual qualifications, not carnal ambition or worldly standards.
Ultimately, the senior pastor has the divine authority to appoint his core team—just as Jesus did in Mark 3:14.

When church leadership is spiritually strong, united, and stable, the church becomes a beacon of light and a channel of transformation in its community.

B. THE NECESSITY OF A COMMUNITY OF LEADERS

Key Scripture: Philippians 4:2–3

Sadly, many churches have lost their relevance in their communities due to leadership crises—strife, disloyalty, pride, and division. The presence of a “community of leaders” doesn’t mean multiple founders or people competing for the senior pastor’s role. It means that God-raised leaders are working under the leadership of the senior pastor, in unity and with a shared vision for the progress of the ministry.

Kingdom impact begins with united, Christ-centered leadership.
No single leader can carry the burden of transforming a community alone.
Associate leaders must align themselves with the senior pastor’s vision.
Each leader should faithfully oversee their assigned department or ministry.
Don’t just consume church resources—be a contributor to the vision.
Cultivate a servant’s heart and demonstrate humility and grace.

C. STRATEGIES THE ENEMY USES TO DIVIDE CHURCH LEADERS

Key Scripture: Numbers 16:1–3

The enemy understands that if he can scatter the leadership, he can frustrate the church’s mission. He often uses subtle tactics to create division, suspicion, and rebellion.

Some common strategies include:

Spreading gossip and rumors to stir conflict.
Criticizing small mistakes of the senior pastor, magnifying them.
Petty attitudes from associate leaders.
Members encouraging associates to start their own ministries or “do their own thing.”
Secret tithes and offerings given directly to associates as a way of “buying” their loyalty.
Disloyal deacons pushing for a church split.
Feelings of being cheated regarding money or recognition.
Pastors being stingy or emotionally unavailable to their leadership team.
Insecurity or fear on both sides—senior pastors fearing younger leaders, or associates desiring more power.
Allowing material wealth, social status, or ego to fuel pride and disrespect toward leadership.

Sadly, many rising leaders who once had great potential end up wrecking the church due to these issues. They become political power-brokers, hosting secret meetings, inciting rebellion, and hindering the pastor’s leadership. This kind of behavior brings reproach on the church and damages its testimony in the community.

Examples include:

Deacons living immoral or reckless lives.
Elders engaging in ungodly activities like drunkenness.
Leaders spreading false tales about the church.
A church officer being involved in fraudulent business (419).
Church officers who are unkind landlords or dishonest businessmen.

These behaviors give the church a bad name in the community. The leadership’s lifestyle must reflect holiness and Christlike maturity if the church is to win souls and shape the environment.

D. IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY BEGINS WITH LEADING THE CHURCH WELL

Key Scripture: Psalm 23:2–3

Before a church can influence its community, it must first demonstrate godly leadership and spiritual order within its own walls. People outside will only follow a church that models love, discipline, and spiritual excellence.

Here’s how to lead the church effectively:

The senior pastor must lead with competence, character, and spiritual strength—he is more than a preacher; he is a visionary and shepherd.
He must choose loyal, faithful, and available leaders—those who understand the vision and submit to it (Mark 3:14).
Associate leaders should never compete with the senior pastor—they are to support the vision the Lord has given him (1 Kings 3:11).
Associates must unite and run with the God-given vision, not attempt to develop a competing agenda.
Don’t allow strife or discord to take root—whether through members, pride, or offense.
If you feel led to start a work, do so with your pastor’s blessing and prayers, not rebellion or bitterness.
The leadership must operate in unity, love, and mutual respect for spiritual growth to take place.
Associates must be mindful of their public testimony—their character either builds or breaks the church’s reputation.

Let’s learn from the true story of a town where there were 19 churches. Eighteen had broken away from one main church, resulting in constant strife, division, and stagnation. But after receiving a teaching on unity, they repented, forgave each other, and united for the sake of God’s Kingdom. That decision sparked a mighty move of God in their community.

PRAYER POINTS FOR CHURCH LEADERS

Lord, I repent for any part I’ve played in leadership conflict in Jesus’ name.
Father, endow me with the grace, wisdom, and skills to lead effectively in Jesus’ name.
Raise for me, O Lord, loyal, faithful, and teachable associate leaders in Jesus’ name.
I bind every rebellious and disloyal spirit in my leadership team in Jesus’ name.
I scatter every gang-up or conspiracy against the vision of the church in Jesus’ name.
Lord, make me the kind of leader that others can follow with joy and unity in Jesus’ name.