The 7 Most Important Leadership Lessons I’ve Learned in Ministry

Writing a blog has given me the opportunity to reflect deeply on my ministry and my leadership.

I’ve learned things about myself, some which really hurt to admit in public. I’ve watched and documented why and how certain techniques have worked for my ministry. I’ve observed how my own personal and professional failure has allowed me to be a better leader. And I’ve challenged myself to actually practice what I preach.

In some ways, my blog is my leadership-in-ministry journal. And boy, have I learned a ton ever since I started writing.

That’s what leads me to this post. As I was reflecting on all the things I’ve been learning in my many years of ministry, I couldn’t help but ask myself one important question:

What are the most important things I’ve learned as a leader in ministry?

I took my handy dandy laptop and started to write out my ideas. What have I learned? Which are more important? What would be my number one learning?

And that’s what this next series of blog posts is all about. I’ve narrowed it down to 7 of the most important lessons I’ve learned in ministry leadership to this date. Who knows? Come two months from now, I may learn something new that changes my list completely. But, for now, this is it.

Over the next 7 weeks (one learning a week), I want to write about the 7 things I’ve learned that have greatly impacted my leadership. My plan is to unpack it in a way that helps both you and I to not only understand what the learning is, but how to live that learning out in our ministry everyday.

So what are the 7 lessons? Here they are:

It all starts with God.
Just keep growing.
Success isn’t forever. Failure isn’t fatal.
How to measure success in ministry.
A positive attitude makes the difference.
The balance between developing relationships and getting the job done.
Develop other leaders intentionally.

Question: What would be one of the most important things you’ve learned as a leader in ministry? (I may just change up my list if you have a really good one!)

John Rinaldo

As the Business Manager at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Morgan Hill, CA, Dr. John Rinaldo serves as the administrator over operations and finances for the parish in support of all parish ministries. Previously, John served as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of San Jose, empowering parish communities to minister to the needs of youth and young adults. John is also an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University teaching pastoral ministry courses to graduate students.