As pastors and church leaders, it’s natural to wonder about the habits and practices of highly productive leaders. Often, we focus on our perceived shortcomings instead of learning from those who have found success. To grow and mature in our personal lives and ministries, it’s essential to embrace principles that guide us toward greater productivity and fulfillment.  Have you ever considered having principles to guide your life & ministry?

Here are 25 principles of highly productive leaders that were recently shared with our team. While the original author remains unknown, the wisdom within these principles is undeniable. We believe these insights will profoundly impact your personal growth and ministry:

1. Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude

How you perceive and react to situations shapes your journey. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

2. It’s Not What Happens to a Person, But What Happens in a Person That Makes the Difference

Inner transformation is key. Romans 12:2 urges us, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

3. Every Problem Has a Hidden Possibility and a Seed of Victory in It

View challenges as opportunities for growth. James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider trials as pure joy because they develop perseverance.

4. Failure Is Not Final. Learn From It and Go On

Embrace failures as learning experiences. Proverbs 24:16 states, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”

5. Limitations Are Guidelines, Not Stop Signs

Use limitations to navigate, not to halt progress. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

6. Expect the Best and Express the Best

Cultivate a mindset of positivity and excellence. Philippians 4:8 advises us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

7. There Is Not Much Difference Between Success and Failure. The Successful Usually Gave Just a Little Bit More

Persistence pays off. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

8. Each Person Can Increase a Little. Improve Your Attitude, Relationships, Priorities, Determination, and Credibility a Little Each Day

Growth is a gradual process. 2 Peter 3:18 urges us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

9. Helping Others Succeed Helps You to Succeed

Serving others leads to mutual success. Mark 10:45 reminds us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

10. Be Yourself – That’s Who God Made

Embrace your unique identity. Psalm 139:14 declares, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

11. People Don’t Care How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care

Show genuine compassion. 1 Corinthians 13:1 emphasizes the importance of love over knowledge.

12. Live What You Teach

Authenticity matters. James 1:22 encourages us to be doers of the word, not hearers only.

13. Pay Now and Play Later

Prioritize diligence. Proverbs 6:6-8 advises us to consider the ant’s ways and be wise, storing provisions in the summer.

14. Giving Is the Highest Level of Living

Generosity enriches life. Acts 20:35 quotes Jesus, saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

15. Success Is Having the Respect and Love of Those Closest to You

True success is relational. Proverbs 18:24 speaks of friends who stick closer than a brother.

16. We Make a Living by What We Get, But We Make a Life by What We Give

Life’s value is in giving. Matthew 6:20 advises us to store up treasures in heaven.

17. There Is No Success Without Sacrifice

Sacrifice precedes success. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

18. No Matter Where You’re Starting From on Your Journey of Life, You Have Some Things Going for You

Recognize your strengths. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us.

19. Successful People Develop Positive Daily Habits That Help Them to Grow and Learn

Habits shape destiny. Daniel 6:10 shows Daniel’s commitment to daily prayer.

20. It’s Lonely at the Top… So You’d Better Know Why You’re There

Understand your purpose. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the value of companionship and support.

21. If You Need the People, You Can’t Lead the People. A Co-Dependent Relationship Seldom Grows or Moves Forward

Lead with independence. Galatians 1:10 reminds us to seek God’s approval over man’s.

22. Are You Gonna Get Any Better, or Is This It?

Continuously strive for improvement. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

23. Opportunities Are Seldom Labeled

Stay alert for opportunities. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us to be wise and make the most of every opportunity.

24. Circumstances Do Not Make You What You Are… They Reveal What You Are!

Adversity reveals character. Romans 5:3-4 speaks of suffering producing perseverance, character, and hope.

25. Look Carefully at the Closest Associates in Your Life, for That Is the Direction You Are Heading

Choose your companions wisely. Proverbs 13:20 advises, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

By integrating these principles into your life and ministry, you will cultivate a culture of growth, resilience, and productivity. Remember, your journey is unique, and God has equipped you with the tools to succeed. Embrace these principles, and watch how they transform your life & ministry.

For more resources and inspiration, visit Preachit.org. Let’s grow together in faith and leadership!