Healthy church leaders walk closely with the Lord Jesus. They are regular in daily devotional rhythms and are sensitive to the Holy Spirit. The healthy church leader leads from the overflow of a healthy walk with God. This kind of overflow leadership is evidenced by the Galatians 5:22-23 fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Because the leader is a real person with real problems living in a fallen world, he or she may not exemplify the fruit at its ripest in every passing moment. However, the fruit will generally be evident and increasing over time. Healthy leaders lead from the overflow of healthy spiritual rhythms.

The apostle Paul admonished those with sexual sin by writing, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you . . . You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Although the instruction comes to us in the immediate context of sexual sin, it is no less applicable with regard to other self-destructive practices. Healthy leaders take care of their temporary tents while awaiting a more permanent dwelling from God. They steward their physical health with wisdom and care. They exercise. They eat right. They see their doctors regularly. They embrace their physical limitations. Healthy leaders pay careful attention to their physical health so they can bring their best to the table of God’s ministry assignment every day.

Ministry often feels like an emotional roller coaster. When church leaders do not pay attention to their own mental and emotional health, they put the whole church body in jeopardy. Solomon wrote, “Patience is better than power, and controlling one’s emotions, than capturing a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Healthy church leaders understand that their emotions are their responsibility. They regularly receive counseling, coaching and/or mentoring to make sure they are dealing with the secret, hidden places of their lives. They take their mental health seriously, being attuned to those indicators that may raise concerns when stress is high or anxiety sets in. Healthy church leaders know they can either control their emotions or be controlled by them—and they put specific, contextual practices in place to intentionally choose the former.

A church leader’s family is his or her first ministry priority. Ministry in and through a local church begins with ministry in and through one’s own home. Church leaders should never sacrifice their families on the altar of Christian ministry. Paul wrote to young Timothy that both pastors and deacons are to manage their households competently (1 Timothy 3:4-5, 11-12). When someone is not leading well in his or her home, he or she cannot be expected to lead well in the church. The family of a church leader will not be picture perfect. But it should be a place where there is consistent evidence of hospitality, grace, self-control, discipleship, evangelism and the superintending peace of God. Unhealthy church leaders often bring unnecessary suffering upon their homes in the name of Christian ministry. Healthy church leaders understand that their home is their first priority in Christian ministry.

The healthy church leader is a student of leadership. He or she pursues academic achievement, ongoing education or independent study to sharpen the leadership skills with which God has entrusted them. A healthy church leader creates and facilitates an environment of humility, mutual respect and team-based ministry. Both ministry volunteers and paid staff enjoy working in the environment this leader maintains. Unhealthy leaders allow insecurity and selfish pride to govern their decisions and drive their conversations. Healthy leaders listen well, receive help and always pull the focus back to the mission. Unhealthy leaders hoard ministry. Healthy leaders equip, resource and release the saints for the work of ministry.

Church leader, are you healthy? Are you leading from overflow?