Sharpen the Saw: Why Leadership Development Should Be Ongoing for Every Pastor

In Ecclesiastes 10:10, Solomon wisely observes, “If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.” It paints a vivid picture of a dull axe—one that makes your work harder, slower, and less effective than it should be. As pastors and leaders in Christ’s church, we must regularly pause to sharpen our tools—our hearts, minds, and skills—so that we can lead with wisdom and strength, not just effort.

Leadership Development Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Biblical Mandate

The Apostle Paul urged Timothy not only to “preach the word” but also to “fan into flame the gift of God” that was in him (2 Timothy 1:6). This signifies intentionality—ongoing development and stewardship of the calling we’ve received. In our context, it means growing in leadership capacity as shepherds, disciplers, communicators, and vision-carriers.

But in the demands of ministry, it’s easy to let leadership development slip. Sermon preparation, hospital visits, counseling sessions, staff meetings, and facility issues consume our week. Before long, we find ourselves running on yesterday’s fuel, relying on the instincts and methods that brought us this far, which may not take us any further.

Leadership growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes commitment. And thankfully, it doesn’t have to happen alone.

Four Practices for Pastoral Leadership Growth

Here are four essential ways to keep growing as a pastor and leader in your context:

1. Read Thoughtfully and Regularly

Books give us access to mentors we may never meet in person. They sharpen our thinking, stir our imagination, and offer proven wisdom from the trenches of leadership and ministry.

Here are a few recommended reads for 2025, each chosen for a specific reason:

• Lead by Paul David Tripp

Why: A heart-level look at leadership, reminding pastors that character matters more than charisma. Tripp focuses on gospel humility, healthy team dynamics, and the internal battles of ministry.

• Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger

Why: Leadership in a post-Christendom culture requires adaptive thinking. Bolsinger uses the journey of Lewis and Clark to explore how to lead faithfully when the terrain changes dramatically.

• The Conviction to Lead by Albert Mohler

Why: Mohler challenges leaders not just to manage but to lead with deep theological conviction. A call to lead from a biblical worldview, not pragmatism—ideal for pastors feeling pulled in cultural crosswinds.

• QBQ! The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller

Why: A simple but powerful book on personal responsibility and leadership initiative. It’s about asking better questions—ones that lead to action instead of blame-shifting. Great for staff and elder teams as well.

Set a goal to read one book per quarter. Better yet, pick one and read it with another pastor or in a small group to discuss and apply it together.

2. Attend Conferences and Workshops

There’s something powerful about stepping away from the week-to-week to hear fresh voices, worship with others in ministry, and receive insight you didn’t even know you needed.

Conferences to Consider:

• The Crossroads Fellowship Pastors’ Conference (Oct 27–29, 2025)
• Theme: Disciples Make Disciples
• Why: This is your tribe—pastors who understand your context and share your mission. The keynote messages, cohort discussions, and shared meals will refocus and refresh your leadership.
• The GARBC National Conference or The Gospel Coalition (TGC) Events
• Why: These national gatherings feature strong biblical teaching, cultural engagement, and excellent resources for preaching, theology, and ministry.
• Small Church USA or The Malphurs Group Regional Events
• Why: Especially valuable for churches under 150 in attendance.  These meetings offer practical, size-appropriate solutions and encouragement for small-church leaders.

Budget for one or more events per year. It’s not an expense—it’s an investment in your health, your calling, and your church’s future.

3. Engage in Leadership Peer Groups

No leader thrives alone. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Peer groups give pastors a space for honest conversation, mutual support, and shared wisdom.

Crossroads Fellowship is developing regional and ministry-aligned cohorts. These small groups (typically 4–6 pastors) meet quarterly and include:

• Ministry and personal updates
• Shared discussion around a book or topic
• Leadership challenges and best practices
• Time for encouragement and prayer

If you’re not yet part of one, consider starting a group. Let us know—we’re ready to help connect you with others in your area or ministry setting.

Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.

4. Seek Mentors and Coaches

Who’s helping you grow right now? Who’s asking you the hard questions or encouraging you when you feel worn out?

We need mentors—seasoned pastors who have walked the road before us—and coaches who can ask the right questions and offer clarity during challenging seasons.

Here are some ways to take a step:

• Ask a retired pastor or wise elder in Crossroads to meet with you monthly—for perspective, prayer, and practical insight.
• Look for informal coaching relationships with a peer, a regional leader, or someone you respect.
• Build coaching into your budget or schedule—not as a fix-it tool, but as part of a healthy, ongoing development process. To seek guidance—it’s wisdom.

What Happens If We Don’t?

Neglecting leadership development has consequences. Ministry becomes reactive, not proactive. Our churches plateau. Our preaching flattens. Our staff wander. And eventually, we grow tired—not from the work itself, but from carrying it alone and unrefreshed.

But when we keep growing:

• We think more clearly.
• We communicate more effectively.
• We inspire others to lead.
• We model growth for our churches.

We stay sharp. And sharp tools, Solomon says, make the work easier and more fruitful.

Let’s Grow Together

Crossroads Fellowship exists to help pastors flourish. We believe healthy churches are led by growing leaders—men of prayer, grit, humility, and vision who refuse to settle for cruise control.

• So what’s your next step?
• Pick up a book that stretches your leadership.
• Register for the October conference.
• Join or start a leadership peer group.
• Reach out to someone who can walk with you, or someone you can invest in.

Your church needs your leadership. Your family needs your health. And your calling deserves your best.

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you… being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3). May part of your example be a passion to grow, so your church can, too.

If you’d like help choosing a book, forming a group, or attending a conference, reach out to us. We’re here to support your journey because disciples make disciples, and leaders raise up leaders.

Let’s sharpen the saw—together.