Organizations thrive when guided by inspired leadership and empowered teams. Navigating the complexities of leading people requires clarity, adaptability, and vision for church and nonprofit leaders. Tim Stevens, a highly respected leadership consultant and CEO of LeadingSmart, has spent decades helping leaders build vibrant cultures and high-functioning teams. From his time at Granger Community Church to reshaping Willow Creek, Tim has honed strategies to address modern challenges in organizational leadership.
We’ll highlight Tim’s recent and relevant insights into leadership and team dynamics, offering practical steps to help faith-based organizations and nonprofits foster resilience, alignment, and long-term success.
5 Leadership Shifts Every Leader Should Make in 2025
The world is evolving rapidly, and leaders who adapt will thrive. Tim identifies these five essential shifts leaders must make in 2025:
1. From Having Answers to Discovering Them
Instead of being the person with all the answers, today’s leaders must excel at asking the right questions. Leaders can uncover more intelligent, innovative solutions by fostering collaboration and encouraging input from team members.
2. From Hiring Doers to Hiring Leaders
While doers are crucial for accomplishing tasks, hiring staff who can lead and inspire others multiplies the impact of every hire—resulting in exponential growth for the organization.
3. From Celebrating Growth to Pursuing Health
Growth is often the goal, but it should never come at the expense of the organization’s health. Pursue a foundation of spiritual, emotional, and relational health—these lead to lasting, meaningful growth.
4. From Training Values to Hiring for Values
Hiring individuals who already embody your team’s core values helps integrate them seamlessly into the culture, saving time, resources, and possible regrets.
5. From Strategy to Leadership Culture
Build a leadership culture where everyone feels empowered. Leaders should focus on multiplying themselves, building diverse teams, and creating an inclusive environment where innovation thrives.
Organizations can adapt to a changing world by making these leadership shifts while staying grounded in their mission-driven values.
Building High-Performance Teams That Stay Healthy
A healthy team translates to a high-performing organization. Drawing insights from a session with Dan Reiland, Tim emphasizes five critical factors for developing strong teams:
- Vision: Know where the team is heading and ensure everyone understands the direction.
- Alignment: Establish unity by ensuring the team works toward the same goals.
- Coaching: Invest in each team member’s growth. When leaders actively mentor others, teams exceed expectations.
- Capacity: Recognize and empower those who can drive projects forward effectively.
- Outcomes: Prioritize deliverables and keep teams accountable for achieving set goals.
Achieving alignment is especially important for church leaders who manage congregations or volunteer groups. When teams clearly understand the "why" behind their mission, their enthusiasm and endurance grow even during busy seasons.
Empowering High-Capacity Leaders in Your Community
High-capacity leaders with extensive skills and knowledge often feel underutilized within church and nonprofit teams. These individuals want opportunities that challenge and engage them. But how can organizations best steward their talents?
In collaboration with OCEAN, Tim points out the necessity of mentorship and intentional connection. Pairing experienced leaders with younger ones builds mutual value. The senior leaders find purpose by sharing wisdom, while younger participants receive guidance to solve real-world challenges.
Church leaders must offer meaningful leadership roles and opportunities for growth to harness the potential of high-capacity individuals fully. Programs that connect high-capacity leaders, such as leadership networks and workshops, also encourage collaboration and engagement.
Why Learning and Development Matter—Even in Lean Times
When budgets tighten, cutting professional development programs is often one of leaders' first decisions. Tim cautions against this move. Though it may seem like a short-term win, it undermines long-term growth.
Investments in learning and development send a strong message to teams—they show you value their growth. This commitment positively impacts morale, encourages retention, and ensures your team can adapt to future challenges.
Simple steps to prioritize development include:
- Offering workshops or conferences aligned with your mission.
- Encouraging leaders to network with peers to cross-pollinate ideas.
- Providing access to digital resources and leadership books.
Continuous learning sustains forward momentum and keeps teams healthy and resilient.
Lessons from a Million Miles—Leadership on the Go
Tim has logged substantial miles as a consultant, meeting leaders nationwide. During these travels, he’s learned enduring lessons about perspective and adaptability:
- Relationships Fuel Success: Prioritize building meaningful connections—they’re often your greatest asset.
- Adaptability is Key: The ability to pivot and adjust when faced with unexpected challenges determines long-term success.
- Perspective Drives Decision-Making: Avoid tunnel vision by regularly zooming out to understand the broader picture.
While these lessons often emerge during moments of reflection, they offer insights leaders at any level can implement to improve their day-to-day operations.
Cultivating Generosity and a Culture That Lasts
At the heart of Tim’s leadership philosophy lies a dedication to fostering healthy cultures where generosity thrives. A strong culture aligned with organizational values supports team commitment and galvanizes action.
From his video series with Joe Park, Tim offers practical wisdom for leaders on building organizational cohesion and morale:
- Define a Clear Identity & Vision: Stay true to your mission and communicate it effectively to donors, volunteers, and stakeholders.
- Strengthen Accountability: Transparency encourages trust and builds healthy working relationships.
- Engage in Strategic Planning: Set measurable goals that align with your mission and track outcomes to refine your approach.
A thriving culture doesn’t only fund ministry efforts; it also inspires lasting dedication among all involved.
Build Teams That Transform Ministries
The future of church leadership belongs to those willing to adapt, empower, and engage. By implementing Tim Stevens’ leadership insights, you’ll be better positioned to guide your team with wisdom and grace.
Start small. Apply one or two of these principles with your team or in your next board meeting. Over time, incremental improvements become the foundation for exponential growth.
For further guidance, explore Horizons’ Culture and Generosity video series. Equip your ministry with the tools, strategies, and insights to thrive.