Consistency in the Life of a Pastor

People want leaders who are consistent. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to follow someone who does not lead consistently? You know, someone who is up and down, has emotions all over the map, and their responses are impulsive. Let’s set the record straight.

Consistency is adhering to the same principles. Consistency is acting or behaving in the same way. Firmness, coherence, and regularity should never be undervalued. When a Pastor-Leader adheres consistently to the same principles, lives with regularity, and thinks coherently, he is able to add tremendous value to people and the church or organization he serves.

How consistent are you? How consistent is your leadership?

People desire pastors to be consistent. Are you consistent? Do you lead with a commitment to regularity, sameness, firmness, and always live by the same principles you preach to others? These are serious questions that each of us must answer honestly. Let’s face it: Jesus Christ lived a consistent life. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Consistency is one way we can strive to be like Jesus.

When you lead consistently

When a Pastor leads consistently…

• Your people will trust you. It is much easier to trust and place confidence in a pastor who leads consistently. People become endeared to a leader they can count on. There is enough uneasiness in the world already; people want to have a pastor they can trust. Consistency leads to trust.
• Your people will respect you. Pastors should not have a personal goal to be liked by everyone; however, a pastor needs to have a goal to be respected. A leader will be admired and receive high respect when he leads consistently.
• Your people will follow you. It is much easier to follow a leader who is clear and consistent than it is to follow a leader who is inconsistent. If people cannot count on some “sameness” in your life, they will be less likely to follow you. I have observed this for years: Staff members in my fellowship that have tested well through the storms and difficult circumstances of life and have lived consistently, never have a problem with people following them.

A few final words…

I know many pastors who do not live consistently and do not lead with consistency in their lives. It is not a matter of the heart as much as a matter of priorities. If we want people to trust us, respect us, and follow us, we must live and lead with consistency.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd