Quotes For Ministry, Life, & Leadership

Here some quotes that I have collected. I have broken them down into these categories: Ministry Leadership, Volunteers, Worship Ministry, Next Gen Ministry, Parenting, Personal Life and Fun.

Hope you enjoy them and find them useful!

Tim Price

Director, Harvest Ministry Teams

Worship Ministry, Troy UMC

timpriceblog.com

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MINISTRY LEADERSHIP

Vision without passion is a picture without possibilities. – John Maxwell

Vision is discovered, not invented. – Reggie McNeal 

The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves. ~Ray Kroc

The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes. – Tony Blair

Ministry’s not an option for a Christian; it’s a privilege. ― Lori Hatcher

People give to vision.

God’s church doesn’t need a mission. God’s mission needs a church.

Most of the time leaders will have to step out and take a risk long before they have the answers to all the questions. – Andy Stanley

“The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones.” Brandon Sanderson

No one can whistle a symphony.  It takes a whole orchestra to play it.  -H.E. Luccock

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~M. Meade

Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes. – Peter Drucker

The real leader has no need to lead – he is content to point the way. ~Henry Miller

Just when the church adopted a business model, the culture went looking for God. Reggie McNeal

Leaders think and talk about the solutions. Followers think and talk about the problems. —Brian Tracy

No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it. —Andrew Carnegie

A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position. —John Maxwell

Leaders create a legacy daily. – Steve Gutzler

Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. — Jack Welch

My responsibility is getting all my players playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back. –Unknown

A good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. – George Patton

The church today too often thinks of the sermon as the main event in worship. Jesus is the main event.

Today’s church prays for safety, the early church prayed for boldness. – Perry Noble

Jesus’ strategy was to go where people were already hanging out. This is why he went to weddings, parties, and religious feast day celebrations. RM

Instead of dumping a packet of church club member stuff on them, why not interview them about what they would like to see happen in their lives in terms of their spiritual development and personal growth? R.M.

Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing. – John Henry Jowett

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. ~Theodore Hesburgh

“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” – Ralph Marston

“There’s a broken heart on every pew.” ― Cecil Randall

“Make an attempt for the kingdom of God.” Tom Atkins

“Too often we argue about Christianity instead of marveling at Jesus.” –John Ortberg

Without forgiveness, there can be no real freedom to act within a group. – Max Depree

As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. Prov 27:17

Building a strong ministry team requires you to be a “dream releaser”

Big thinking precedes great achievement. – Wilferd Peterson

The greatest danger a team faces isn’t that it won’t become successful, but that it will, and then cease to improve. ~ Mark Sanborn

The safest, most prosperous, and most joyful place for your family is wherever God would lead you.

Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.

Leaders think and talk about the solutions. Followers think and talk about the problems. Brian Tracy

The church staff doesn’t work for the congregation. The staff helps the congregation work for Jesus. The latter is harder, but more fun!

“Being simple is hard work.” John Maxwell

“Just when the church adopted a business model, the culture went looking for God.” Reggie McNeal

“Church leaders seem unable to grasp this simple implication of the new world—people outside the church think church is for church people, not for them.” Reggie McNeal

“Connecting always requires energy.” – John Maxwell

“People are attracted to excellence.” – Chris Widener

Excellence is described as doing the best with what you have. Jason Hatley

The goal of the church is not maintaining ministries. The goal of the church is to reach the lost and disciple them. – Transitioning The Church by Zach Williams.  

One simple ways to get the church to repeat good behavior: Celebrate.  Celebrate in your writing, in your speaking and in your actions. – Nelson Searcy

Do not expect long-established groups to attract new members! – Lyle Shaller

“Charisma is not vision. It is a vehicle to deliver the vision. The under-shepherd is not a substitute for the Good Shepherd.” ― Will Mancini

The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. ~Max DePree

“One question I always enjoy asking church leaders is “How do you want your church to be different two years from now?”  ― Will Mancini

“Vision leaks.” Bill Hybels

“Today’s church prays for safety, the early church prayed for boldness.” – Perry Noble

Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.

VOLUNTEERS & TEAMS

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. – M. Jordan

If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.

No member of a crew is praised for the rugged individuality of his rowing.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

People are more easily led than driven. ~David Harold Fink

Gettin’ good players is easy.  Gettin’ ’em to play together is the hard part.  ~Casey Stengel

The motivation for volunteers is success. – Tim Price

Too many kings can ruin an army. -Homer

There has never been a statue erected to honor a critic. – Zig Ziglar

You manage things; you lead people. – Grace Murray Hopper

Four “I” words for team leaders: invite, inspire, inform, invest. – Tim Price

There is more information and knowledge within a team than is usually revealed. ~ Unknown

Overcoming barriers to performance is how groups become teams.

Teamwork is a make or break situation. Either you help make it or the lack of it will break you.

Teamplayer: One who unites others toward a shared destiny through sharing information & ideas empowering others & developing trust.  Kinlaw

In order to have a winner, the team must have a feeling of unity; every player must put the team first-ahead of personal glory. – P. Bryant

Overcoming barriers to performance is how groups become teams.

Infighting, personal insecurities, gossip and lack of camaraderie overtake an effective team and turn it sour… quickly.   If you want a quality, act as if you already had it. William James

Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected. Steve Jobs

It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares about who gets the credit. – Robert Yates

Three needs team members bring to the table: sense of belonging; sense of worth; and a sense of competence.

A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!  ~Author Unknown

The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. – General Colin Powell

You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime. – Babe RuthHave you planned ahead enough that your team has a chance of participating meaningfully? It’s worth it.

Teams do not go physically flat, they go mentally stale. – Vince Lombardi

Leading people is the most challenging and, therefore, the most gratifying undertaking of all human endeavors. – Jocko Willink


WORSHIP MINISTRY

“Connecting always requires energy.” – John Maxwell

“People are attracted to excellence.” – Chris Widener

“You step into a spiritual responsibility the moment you step on that platform.” Darlene Zschech

Worship leaders: take some time today to pray for your worship team and services this weekend.

“If no one in the congregation is singing, it doesn’t matter how good the worship band is.” – J. Michael Walters

“As musicians and singers, our number one job is to help the congregation worship.” -B. Dempsey

I find that during worship, ideas, creativity & thoughts come clearly: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”  1Sam. 3:9

“Church leaders seem unable to grasp this simple implication of the new world—people outside the church think church is for church people, not for them.” Reggie McNeal

“Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” – Ralph Marston

There’s a broken heart on every pew.” ― Cecil Randall

The role of the worship leader is likened more to door opener at Applebees than it is to a CEO.“

“We can get so strategic that we worship so our church will grow, not because He is worthy.” T. Walker

Ministry’s not an option for a Christian; it’s a privilege.” ― Lori Hatcher

Guitar players: to remember how hard it was when you first learned to play, just flip the guitar over and make chords w/ the opposite hand.

“Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing.” – John Henry Jowett

“Being simple is hard work.” John Maxwell

Model worship, don’t just lead it.

Do not expect long-established groups to attract new members! – Lyle Schaller

“One question I always enjoy asking church leaders is “How do you want your church to be different two years from now?”  ― Will Mancini

“Too often we argue about Christianity instead of marveling at Jesus.” –John Ortberg

One simple ways to get the church to repeat good behavior: Celebrate.  Celebrate in your writing, in your speaking and in your actions. – Nelson Searcy

“Make an attempt for the kingdom of God.” Tom Atkins

Your proximity to God personally will be the proximity the church will go corporately.

The main goal of life isn’t to have fun – but to walk in step with Jesus.  Ironically, it becomes fun.

Two great reasons to worship God on Sunday morning:  1) God began creation at this time 2) Jesus was risen at this time.

Invite your staff, and church leaders, to be on the front row celebrating and cheering on worship.

Worship Teams:  When pride walks on the stage, God walks off.

“Corporate worship reminds you that your hope isn’t found in your heritage or performance, but in the grace of your Savior.” P. Tripp

“I love the intensity of the Psalms. No one ever sounds bored about God or about life in the Psalms.”- M. Redman

“Don’t let your life give evidence against your tongue. Sing with your voices… sing also with your conduct.” St. Augustine

“True worship doesn’t keep looking at its watch.” – N.T. Wright

“God created the world out of nothing, and as long as we are nothing, he can make something out of us.” – Martin Luther

The Christian life consists in what God does for us, not what we do for God. – Marva Dawn

“Jesus’ strategy was to go where people were already hanging out. This is why he went to weddings, parties, and religious feast day celebrations.” RM

Excellence is described as doing the best with what you have. Jason Hatley

The goal of the church is not maintaining ministries. The goal of the church is to reach the lost and disciple them. – Transitioning The Church by Zach Williams.

Charisma is not vision. It is a vehicle to deliver the vision.

NEXT GEN MINISTRIES

“If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God.” ― Dwight L. Moody

Sometimes you have to walk through the valley of “I have no idea” to get to the mountaintop of confidence.

We have to remember Jesus isn’t a recruiter; he is an inviter. – John Stickl

Not everybody can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service. MLK

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.’ 2 Cor 15:7

It takes more than a busy church, a friendly church, or even an evangelical church to impact a community for Christ. It must be a church ablaze, led by leaders who are ablaze for God.” – Wesley L. Duewel

Don’t just delegate tasks to the next generation. If you delegate tasks, you create followers. Instead, delegate authority to create leaders. – Craig Groeschel

Too often we argue about Christianity instead of marveling at Jesus.- John Ortberg

In the race to a child’s heart, the first one there wins.  – George Barna

Let the children come to Me and don’t hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.  – Jesus

When you take a child by the hand, you take a parent by the heart.

A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.  – Forest Witcraft

85% of people who come to Jesus do so before the age of 18.

There is no Jr. Holy Spirit.  Kids come to Jesus just like adults do.

The Bible doesn’t tell children to become like adults to be saved.  Rather it tells adults to become like children to be saved.

Children’s ministry is ministering to a person at the most critical time in their life. -Dale Hudson

Time spent ministering to a child is never time wasted.

Children are like wet cement.  But remember, we only have a short window of time until the wet cement turns to concrete.  We must impress God’s Word, wisdom and ways into their lives while we have the opportunity.    Dale Hudson

PARENTING

Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.

Children take more notice of what their parents do, than what they say. – William Tiptaf

“Be the parent today that you want your kids to remember tomorrow.” ~Unknown

A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone. – Billy Graham

“When my kids become unruly, I use a nice safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.” —Erma Bombeck

Before I got married I had six theories about raising children; now, I have six children and no theories. – John Wilmot

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.- Henry Ward Beecher

I would rather regret the things I have done than the things I have not. – Lucille Ball

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them FEEL.” ~Carol Buchner

What we see depends mainly on what we look for.

Be Careful: 95% of alcoholics grew up in homes where parents drank alcohol.

Secondhand of Jesus will never give us firsthand faith. There is no way Peter would’ve gotten out of the boat if you hadn’t heard Jesus for himself.

Insecurity is chronic self-consciousness.

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.- Chuck Swindoll

“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ~E.M. Forster

“This is how memories are made… by going with the flow.” ~Amanda Bynes

“Always kiss your children goodnight, even if they’re already asleep.” —H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Love makes you fearless.

Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet. – African Proverb

The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen endeavor. – Vince L.

PERSONAL LIFE

You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one. – Unknown

The greatest thing we can do for others is become the healthiest versions of ourselves.

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. – M. Murdock

We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle

I would rather regret the things I have done than the things I have not. – Lucille Ball

The road to failure is paved with good intentions but the road to success is paved with good actions.

Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life. – Sandra Carey

“Everyday you are handed 24 golden hours. Even the richest person can’t buy an extra hour. What will you do w/ this priceless treasure?

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.

God never leads you out of something without leading you into something better.

It’s time to erase always and never because with him everything is possible.

God’s desire for the journey of the Israelite people was that his presence would be at the center of their lives, not the promises.

Obedience is God‘s love language. Christine Caine

You are as close to God as you want to be. Christine Caine

Whatever you do with what God said yesterday will determine what you will hear tomorrow.

We want his voice to be spectacular so we don’t miss it, but God wants his voice to be in a whisper so we don’t miss him.

We weren’t meant to live with insecurity. We were meant to live in security. – John Stickl

If we don’t enjoy God where we are, we won’t enjoy him where we are going.

Freedom in Christ is not a one-time event, it’s a lifestyle. – John Stickl

The Good Shepherd leads you through the valley you don’t want to go through to get to the green pastures you need.

You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. – Pritchard, Michael

Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. ~Plato

The wrong root will never produce the right fruit. – John Stickl

Playing it safe is what keeps us from moving forward. – John Stickl

A lot of us are bored in our faith because we are sitting on the sidelines watching others advance the kingdom.– John Stickl

You don’t just have tickets to the game, you have a uniform. You should not be bored if you are following Jesus. Take the next step. – John Stickl

And apathetic Christian is someone who has settled for eternal life someday instead of abundant life today. – John Stickl

Simple obedience always brings significant breakthrough.– John Stickl

Faith will take you further than you thought you could go, free you faster than you thought you could be freed, and release through you more than you thought you could give.

Big people embrace small tasks because small tasks create big people.

Take a risk!  People who don’t take risks generally make two big mistakes a year. People who do take risks generally make two big mistakes year.

The best way to cheer yourself is to cheer somebody else up. – Mark Twain

Repentance frees you to become who you already are in Jesus.

Whoever owns you gets to define you. Identity always determines behavior.

With Jesus no failure is fatal and no failure is final.

You have to let go of what is in your hand if you want to discover what is in his heart.

We don’t understand and then obey; we obey and then we understand.

When you make a commitment you build hope. When you keep it, you build trust.

Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those that hustle. – Abraham Lincoln

The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas. — Thomas Edison

Everybody likes a compliment. Abe Lincoln

In matters of style, swim with the current; In matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~T. Jefferson

If we did all the things we were capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. – Thomas Edison

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily.

FUN

“Cleaning house with kids around is like brushing your teeth with Oreos.” – Mikey’s Funnies .com

“Texting is the modern day doorbell.” – Jackson Price

I’d like mornings better if they started later.  ~Author Unknown

A meeting is no substitute for progress.  ~ anonymous

Riddle:  What goes up and never comes down?  Answer: Your age.

Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.

Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired. Jules Renard

To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone. Reba McEntire

Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive. Elbert Hubbard

Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes. Jim Carrey

Infants laugh up to 300 times a day, teens average 6 laughs a day and those over sixty average only 2.5 daily chuckles. Laugh today! @mikerichardson

We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don’t know. W. H. Auden

No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar. Abraham Lincoln

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Margaret Mead


I write with church leaders in mind and I would be honored to have you join me by subscribing to the blog. You can take a look at the top posts here. The posts are categorized: pastors, worship leadersstudent ministry and kids ministry. In case we’re just meeting, here’s little about my life.

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Other Posts:

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