Ridgell's Originals

"How can we get our people to trust us."

"How can our members say they do not believe us."

"You've lost the confidence of the congregation."

When you stand before God's people to talk about following Jesus, it is critical they trust you.  When a decision is announced by the leadership, your people have to have confidence in you.  

Trust, credibility, confidence.

Here are three ways I think can help leaders have credibility.

Have a reservoir of good will built up.  This takes time and work.  Trust is formed in hospital rooms and funeral homes.  It is formed by being seen at weddings and ballparks.  It is meeting and greeting before and after church.  It is built in the living rooms of shattered relationships.  It is done over coffee confession.  It is being with people at their worst and helping them become their best.  Relationships.  Love.  Service.  When people know you are giving up your life for them, it builds confidence in what you tell them.

Live what you preach and teach.  In my case, I speak all over the world about how to share Jesus.  The day that I stop doing that personally where I live is the day I need to stop telling others how to do it.

When you mess up, confess it and ask forgiveness.  Apologize.  We are not perfect so let's don't pretend that we are.  If something is not right in your life, fix it.  There is real leadership credibility in alcoholics now sober, or sexually immoral people now pure, or selfish people now generous, or mean people now sweet.  Leaders can fall, and God can raise them back up.  Living proof is strong credibility.  

Use Scripture.  When you must have the hard conversations as a leader, use Scripture.  It keeps it from seeming like a personal attack, it seems less judgmental, and it gives your advice credibility.  And it is right.

And of course, doing these in reverse is how you lose credibility.  Tell others to do what you are not doing.  Do not do life with the people you are supposed to lead.  Act as if you are never wrong.  Don't use Scripture.  

Every leader (and leadership team) sometimes has to make decisions that are difficult.  Those are the times that you must have the confidence and trust of your people.  And right before the announcement is not the time to try and get it.   

Credibility.  It makes all the difference.  And you better have it before you need it.