Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – Words, words, words! Words are everywhere, used by everyone in daily life. What about leaders? Of course they talk too. But the way they talk is different. Their words go deep and carry persuasion and authority. Why is that?
What a leader says has more influence than they think. One word of encouragement can lift someone up; one careless criticism can drain their motivation for years. This article reminds those who lead others of the power of words and how leaders talk. Scripture says, “Let your speech always be gracious” (Colossians 4:6). Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
What Do Leaders Say to Their Teams?
Below is a list of phrases leaders often use. All of them communicate powerfully and capture attention. Very short. Very memorable. You may have heard them before, or even said exactly the same. Now read them again and reflect. What is the message here?
- Change creates opportunity.
- You’ll see it before long.
- Make it happen.
- Love the truth.
- Know what is real.
- Forget the past.
- Keep moving forward.
- Right time.
- Right task.
- Right person.
- God’s timing.
- I don’t know.
- Let’s find out.
- How we see the problem is the problem.
- Help me understand.
- How will we get there?
- Are you sure?
- Don’t be afraid.
- Keep it short.
- Stay within budget.
- It must align with the strategy.
- Let me think about it.
- What’s possible?
- What if we…?
- What’s the downside?
- Is there an alternative?
- What’s the upside on the other hand?
- Try harder.
- In short…
- God loves me.
- This I know.
- For the Bible
- tells me so.
- Someday is today.
- I’m grateful.
Use fewer words. Have more impact.
About the Author
David Staal, a longtime editor of Building Church Leaders and a mentor to students, serves as president of Kids Hope USA, a national nonprofit that partners with local churches to mentor at-risk elementary school students. He is the author of Lessons Kids Need to Learn (Zondervan, 2012) and Words Kids Need to Hear (Zondervan, 2008). He lives in Grand Haven, Michigan, with his wife Becky; their son Scott and daughter Erin studied at Valparaiso University.
The Words of a Christian Leader
How leaders talk shows up not only in sermons and meetings but in everyday words to their team. Notice the ratio of encouragement to criticism in what you said this past week.
Build the habit of recognizing good work publicly and correcting privately. That is how Jesus led His disciples: direct yet full of love.
And when they misspeak, wise leaders apologize. A sincere apology from a leader often builds more trust than any speech.
If you serve in the church, ask God to guard your lips, so that every word you say builds others up and draws them closer to Him.
You may also like: Church Small Groups and Hurt in the Church.
Prayer
Lord, guard the lips of the leaders in Your church. May our words always be truthful, encouraging and full of grace, building up those You have entrusted to us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article: Phan Hương
Adapted from: BuildingChurchLeaders.com
Read more articles in Leadership, or find a church near you on our Locations page. Contact the church office: 0942 248 688 (Zalo available).
