Craig Groeschel - Lead Like It Matters Workbook: Seven Leadership Principles for a Church That Lasts

S ome ministries have it. Some dont.

Most churches want it. Few have it.

When a church has it, everyone knows it. When one doesntwell, everyone knows that too.

The same is true with pastors and leaders. Some have it. Some dont. It is obvious when someone has it and when someone doesnt.

It is always unique. It is always powerful. It is always life-changing.

So... what is it?

My answer is... I dont know. Really, I dont.

It is hard to define because you cant see it. But heres what I do know: If youve ever been involved in a ministry that had it, you had this sense you were part of something special. Although you probably couldnt describe it, you still knew it when you saw it. It was an indescribable work of God that could not be explained or contained.

If youve never seen it up close, ask around and see if you can find it. Just listen to what people around you are saying. I promise, if a ministry or church near you gets it, people will be talking about it. When a ministry has it, theres electricity in the air; the ground seems to rumble. Everyone becomes aware of it. Youll see it on social media. People will talk about it at the office. Your friends will tell you they heard about it from their friends.

Because of the buzz, people flock to check out churches that have it. Not only do they kick the tires, but many of them also join. Not only do they join, but many also get obsessed with the ministry and throw their whole hearts and lives into it. They seem to intuitively grasp whatever it is. They cant get enough of it.

Here is something else I know: while it is always and only a gift from God, I believe that he makes it available to anyone who wants it. I believe that he wants to give it to you and your ministry. In whatever capacity you serve, you can learn to lead like it matters.

In this workbook, we will dive into the concepts that I present in the Lead Like It Matters book. Heres the game plan. In part 1, well talk about what it is and why we need to lead like it matters. In part 2, well explore seven leadership principles for building a church, ministry, or organization that lasts. In part 3, well discuss three important realms of leadership that every church or ministry leader must master to lead like it matters and maximize their God-given potential.

If you believe God wants to use you in his church and as his church, this study is for you. As you read on, do so prayerfully. If possible, dont go through this material alone. Invite friends from your small group, staff, or church leadership team to join you. Finally, be sure to keep an open mind, be alert to Gods prompting, and believe by faith that he will hear the cries of your heart and move freely and powerfully through your church and ministry.