Trust: The Currency of Leadership in a Post-Pandemic Church
From Hotels to Hospitality of the Heart
I used to work in hospitality across a variety of hotels, eventually rising to the position of Front Office Manager at the Best Western in Hood River. At one national conference, I noticed a buzz among upper-level managers about a book called The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey.
In the book, Covey emphasizes that trust isn't just a soft, social virtue—it’s a hard-edged, economic driver that makes relationships and organizations work more effectively and efficiently. Trust is the foundation of success. It’s actionable, measurable, and vital for high performance. The "speed" of trust refers to how quickly we can build relational equity so that we can entrust one another with valuable resources—like our time, energy, and money.
Seventeen Years Later: A Ministry Perspective
Seventeen years later, now serving in pastoral ministry, I find myself reflecting on that principle again. If I’ve learned anything in this season, it’s this: trust cannot be taken for granted.
When it comes to matters of eternal significance—our beliefs about God, the kingdom of heaven, and eternal life—trust becomes even more crucial. It’s not wise to give our trust lightly, especially without evidence of lasting fruit in someone’s life.
When Trust Breaks Down
When trust is broken or eroded in the church, leaders are faced with critical choices. Will they humble themselves and do the hard, necessary work of relational reconciliation? Will they seek counsel, receive feedback, and potentially shift their approach to leadership or ministry direction?
Or will they circle the wagons—isolating themselves with like-minded voices, creating echo chambers that reinforce personal preferences and ideologies? That choice—the refusal to listen, adjust, or be held accountable—is often the beginning of the end for any organization or ministry.
The Challenge of Transitions
Leadership transitions, in particular, can be a breeding ground for mistrust if not handled with care. It’s often said that it takes around five years for a pastor to fully establish trust with a congregation. The first three years are marked by discernment, as people observe and decide whether they can trust the new leader. Once trust begins to form, it may take another two years before real missional momentum builds again.
I’ve experienced several transitions in the past five years—on top of a global pandemic. I understand why some may still feel hesitant about trusting me as a pastor. I don’t fault anyone for that. Instead, I aim to earn that trust daily.
A Commitment to Trust-Building Leadership
My hope is to lead with integrity by:
What about you? Where have you seen trust restored—or broken—in your spiritual journey? What helped rebuild it? Please share in the comments
I used to work in hospitality across a variety of hotels, eventually rising to the position of Front Office Manager at the Best Western in Hood River. At one national conference, I noticed a buzz among upper-level managers about a book called The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey.
In the book, Covey emphasizes that trust isn't just a soft, social virtue—it’s a hard-edged, economic driver that makes relationships and organizations work more effectively and efficiently. Trust is the foundation of success. It’s actionable, measurable, and vital for high performance. The "speed" of trust refers to how quickly we can build relational equity so that we can entrust one another with valuable resources—like our time, energy, and money.
Seventeen Years Later: A Ministry Perspective
Seventeen years later, now serving in pastoral ministry, I find myself reflecting on that principle again. If I’ve learned anything in this season, it’s this: trust cannot be taken for granted.
When it comes to matters of eternal significance—our beliefs about God, the kingdom of heaven, and eternal life—trust becomes even more crucial. It’s not wise to give our trust lightly, especially without evidence of lasting fruit in someone’s life.
When Trust Breaks Down
When trust is broken or eroded in the church, leaders are faced with critical choices. Will they humble themselves and do the hard, necessary work of relational reconciliation? Will they seek counsel, receive feedback, and potentially shift their approach to leadership or ministry direction?
Or will they circle the wagons—isolating themselves with like-minded voices, creating echo chambers that reinforce personal preferences and ideologies? That choice—the refusal to listen, adjust, or be held accountable—is often the beginning of the end for any organization or ministry.
The Challenge of Transitions
Leadership transitions, in particular, can be a breeding ground for mistrust if not handled with care. It’s often said that it takes around five years for a pastor to fully establish trust with a congregation. The first three years are marked by discernment, as people observe and decide whether they can trust the new leader. Once trust begins to form, it may take another two years before real missional momentum builds again.
I’ve experienced several transitions in the past five years—on top of a global pandemic. I understand why some may still feel hesitant about trusting me as a pastor. I don’t fault anyone for that. Instead, I aim to earn that trust daily.
A Commitment to Trust-Building Leadership
My hope is to lead with integrity by:
- Talking straight
- Demonstrating respect
- Creating transparency
- Righting wrongs
- Showing loyalty
- Delivering results
- Confronting reality
- Clarifying expectations
- Practicing accountability
What about you? Where have you seen trust restored—or broken—in your spiritual journey? What helped rebuild it? Please share in the comments
Posted in Pastoral Musings
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