What makes a leader truly effective in ministry? It’s not about having all the answers or trying to control every detail. Instead, it’s about empowering others, building relationships, and leading with humility. These are lessons Howard Stevenson, Executive Director of Thrive Colorado, has learned through his experiences in ministry, global work in the mining industry, and serving multicultural communities.
In a recent conversation, Stevenson shared practical leadership insights that church leaders can use to build ministries rooted in trust, collaboration, and the love of Christ.
1. Empower Others: “Let Them Do It”
One of the most impactful lessons Stevenson learned is this: leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowerment.
“You gotta just find great people who have great hearts and let them do it,” Stevenson shared. His time serving Youth for Christ (YFC), an organization with a decentralized structure, taught him the value of trusting others to take ownership and lead in ways that align with their unique gifts and contexts.
When we release control, we create space for others to step into their calling. It’s not about dictating every move but about offering guidance, encouragement, and the freedom to lead.
How Leaders Can Put This Into Practice:
- Encourage Ownership: Invite team members to lead initiatives that align with their passions and skills.
- Step Back: Avoid micromanaging. Trust your people to carry out their roles with excellence.
- Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate successes, no matter how small.
Stevenson’s advice challenges us to embrace an empowering leadership style that builds confidence and multiplies impact.
2. Celebrate Multiculturalism: “Cultural Differences Enrich Our Faith”
Stevenson’s leadership journey has taken him to nearly 50 countries, exposing him to countless cultural expressions of faith and deepening his appreciation for multiculturalism.
“There’s a difference between what is cultural and what is spiritual,” Stevenson reflected. Recognizing this distinction allows us to embrace diversity and create inclusive ministries where all voices are valued.
While the Front Range may not reflect the same traditional multicultural dynamics as some major metropolitan areas, its communities are marked by another kind of diversity—a variety of faith backgrounds and personal experiences. People are arriving at the doors of your church with different traditions, assumptions, and even doubts about Christianity.
For churches in the Front Range, celebrating multiculturalism means stepping outside our comfort zones to engage with people whose spiritual journeys look different. It’s about creating a space where all perspectives are acknowledged and respected and where the Gospel’s call to love and serve all people is lived out.
How Leaders Can Put This Into Practice:
- Learn from Others: Host conversations that encourage learning from diverse cultural experiences within your congregation.
- Create Inclusive Spaces: Make sure your church environment is welcoming to everyone, regardless of background. Be intentional about making your ministry approachable for those who may feel hesitant or unfamiliar with church culture.
- Build Bridges: Partner with local multicultural organizations or ministries to better serve your community.
When we celebrate diversity, we enrich our worship, deepen relationships, and embody the inclusive love of Christ.
3. Lead with Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
For Stevenson, one of the most transformative aspects of leadership is the ability to recognize and manage his own ego. “I learned to recognize my own ego… to see when it was influencing my decisions or interactions,” he shared.
This self-awareness helped Stevenson approach leadership with humility, focusing not on outcomes he could control but on fostering a fair and just process. By prioritizing emotional intelligence—listening deeply, showing empathy, and managing conflict with grace—Stevenson cultivated trust and collaboration in every environment he led.
How Leaders Can Put This Into Practice:
- Practice Active Listening: Take the time to listen without interruption, showing genuine interest in others’ thoughts and feelings.
- Cultivate Empathy: Seek to understand the emotions and perspectives of those you serve.
- Reflect Regularly: Spend time in prayer and reflection to assess how your own emotions and ego may be influencing your leadership.
- Focus on the Process: Stevenson reminds us, “If I tried to manipulate the outcome, it always ended badly.” Let outcomes emerge naturally from collaborative efforts.
By leading with emotional intelligence, you create a ministry culture of trust, kindness, and connection—a space where people feel safe to grow and serve.
Putting It All Together
Stevenson’s leadership lessons are deeply practical and rooted in faith. For pastors and church leaders, his advice offers a blueprint for creating ministries that reflect the heart of Christ.
Leadership Takeaways:
- Empower Others: Shift from control to trust, letting people step into their gifts and lead with confidence.
- Celebrate Diversity: Embrace multiculturalism as a way to enrich your ministry and reflect the inclusive love of Christ.
- Nurture Emotional Intelligence: Practice self-awareness and empathy to build strong, collaborative relationships.
In a world that often prioritizes power and control, Stevenson’s approach reminds us that Christ-like leadership is about humility, trust, and empowering others to shine. As you lead your church, may these principles inspire you to create a ministry where people feel valued, supported, and loved.
This article was written in collaboration with Howard Stevenson, Executive Director at Thrive Colorado. If you want to continue the conversation, you can contact him directly at howard_stevenson@thrivecolorado.org.
