Pastors, worship leaders, and next-generation ministry leaders build the culture of attitude – positive or negative – in the leaders and the church.
Your attitude is contagious.
No ministry or leader is perfect and you will experience tough seasons and situations. But it’s important to keep a positive attitude. As Winston Churchill said, “I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.”
Having a positive attitude in your ministry is worth the extra effort it may require. If you need help with your positive attitude, try telling yourself the following:
- The church I serve is the best!
- The people I work with have what it takes!
- Our teams are resourceful and creative!
- Our congregation is faithful and generous!
- We are serving with energy and excellence!
- God is at work in powerful ways, using our congregation to be a light to the world every day!
And then live out these practical ways for a great attitude:
Greet People Warmly
Warm greetings can help set the tone for a day of great attitudes, especially as the day begins. Do something nice for someone. Ask questions and listen. Look people in the eye.
See The Best
Actions by others can affect our attitude. Try seeing the best in people and putting yourself in their shoes. Maybe the person who cut you off traffic is racing home for a family emergency. Maybe that last minute request was due to something beyond everyone’s control.
Work At It
Work at having a great attitude. Our office has volunteers who help make things brighter with really cool responses. When asked “how are you?” one person always says, “Fabulous!” Build habits of having a good attitude. Those positive responses will help you when you have tough days too!
Take A Break
A regular sabbath rhythm and taking days off can help ward off feelings of being overwhelmed and negative attitudes. Taking a sabbath helps ministry leaders learn that their ministries don’t depend solely on them. God is in control. I’ve noticed times when more got done on days I stayed home. A good attitude flows from a balance in life.
Take Note And Be Thankful
We have many reasons to be thankful and grateful. Remember those. Think about them. Thank God for life and keep your mind focused on heaven and other noble things. Gratefulness breeds great attitudes.
Listen To #42 About Enthusiasm!
Put Things In Perspective
Learning new perspectives can create a great attitude in you. Learn from your experiences, God’s word, and conversation with others as you go through life. Putting things in perspective helps us realize things will work out ok. I recently heard someone quip that 98% of what we worry about never happens anyway.
Start With Family
Practice living with a great attitude around your family. We can be our grumpiest at home. Do your best to have a good attitude especially during greetings and farewells. Practice loving your family with the same great attitude you have for outsiders during the workday.
Speak And Write
Your attitude can be contagious in the way you speak and write. Keep things positive and let your attitude of fully trusting God shine through your publications, messages, devotions, and sermons.
Consider Social Media
Ministry leaders walk a fine line on social media. Take the high road and avoid joining in on controversy. People are watching everything you say. Social media for a ministry leader will never be private. As Paul so aptly states, “everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Your social media life can be a great ministry and an extension of you and your attitude in life.
Here are other posts on this subject:
- How to Get Rid of a Negative Attitude
- Kill the ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts)
- Three Simple Ways to be Happier
