If there’s one thing most news headlines have in common, it is the capacity to instill fear. Whether it’s politics, the economy, COVID, loss of rights, crime — you name it — there is often an anxiety inducing overtone.

As ministers, we lead others through their fears. And sometimes we find ourselves facing the same kinds of worries.

How do we overcome fears in leadership? What do we do when anxiety clouds our judgment, undermines our influence, and stands in the way of the vision God has given us?

This edition of Make It Count (available in both English and Spanish) examines 10 common leadership fears and considers ways to overcome them. Those fears include the following:

1. Failure. Leaders can overcome this fear when they remember failure is a what, not a whom, and that it can be a place of restoration.

2. Rejection. Most of us want to be liked, but when leaders face rejection, they must maintain allegiance to Christ and learn to separate their identity from their ideas.

3. Lack. Many leaders live with a scarcity mindset, afraid they won’t have enough to see their vision fulfilled. But the best leaders embrace an abundance mindset, recognizing they serve a God who is limitless.

What do we do when anxiety clouds our judgment, undermines our influence, and stands in the way of the vision God has
given us?

4. Criticism. Every leader has critics. But we can silence the naysayers when we lead with clarity, courage, credibility, and confidence.

5. Communicating. Many people cite public speaking as their biggest fear, but leaders need this skill to preach, cast vision, and conduct meetings. The key is embracing prayer, preparation, practice, and God’s power to cultivate our communication skills.

6. Decision Making. The toughest decisions always land on the leader’s desk. That’s why leaders need a decision-making filter that includes God, research, experience, perspective, timing, and influencers.

7. Inadequacy. Imposter syndrome involves the fear that people will discover we’re not as good as many perceive us to be. We can overcome the fear of inadequacy when we remember God is with us, God sent us, and God has equipped us.

8. Risk Taking. Leaders take risks, but with risk comes the fear it won’t work out. To overcome this fear, our internal measure of faith must exceed the external measure of fear.

9. Standing Up. There are times in leadership when you must take an unpopular stand to do what’s right. In these moments, leaders commit to meet needs, solve problems, help people, and make disciples.

10. Significance. Every leader wants his or her life and leadership to count. We can overcome the fear of not mattering by cultivating the character, contribution, and connections that leave a meaningful legacy.

As you read and discuss each lesson with your team, let it challenge you to walk by faith, not by sight. Face your fears and lead with confidence and courage.

Adapted from the Winter 2023 edition of Influence magazine.