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.
The world is evolving rapidly, and leaders who adapt will thrive. Tim identifies these five essential shifts leaders must make in 2025:
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.
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.
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.
Hiring individuals who already embody your team’s core values helps integrate them seamlessly into the culture, saving time, resources, and possible regrets.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
Continuous learning sustains forward momentum and keeps teams healthy and resilient.
Tim has logged substantial miles as a consultant, meeting leaders nationwide. During these travels, he’s learned enduring lessons about perspective and adaptability:
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.
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:
A thriving culture doesn’t only fund ministry efforts; it also inspires lasting dedication among all involved.
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.