Pastor Carey’s '7 Leadership Shifts Pastors Need to Make in 2025' outlines practical strategies for church leaders to maximize their impact and reduce burnout. The first shift, maximizing your green zone, emphasizes protecting the 3-5 hours each day when your energy and productivity are highest for crucial tasks like sermon preparation. He advises leaders to schedule this time as a recurring appointment with themselves, avoiding distractions like random meetings or emails. The second shift encourages going all in on the January kickoff series, as early attendance patterns often set the tone for the year. A strong and well-prepared sermon series can create momentum that lasts through September. Additionally, fixing your first-time guest strategy is essential, with structured follow-ups that are personal, prayerful, and consistent to improve guest return rates.
Carey highlights the need for making digital engagement more personal, suggesting that relatable, low-production content like casual smartphone videos can create deeper connections than overly polished productions. Involving user-generated content and other church members’ voices can also increase trust and engagement. Another important shift is reverse mentoring, where leaders learn from younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) through intergenerational small groups or focus groups. By including youth in decision-making, leaders can stay culturally relevant and innovative. He also stresses the importance of scheduling time off early in the year, as planning vacations, retreats, and family time in advance helps ensure rest and prevents burnout.
Finally, Carey encourages pastors to explore AI tools to save time and enhance productivity. From sermon preparation to social media content creation, AI can streamline tasks and free up time for more meaningful work. These shifts may seem simple, but their consistent implementation can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Pastor Carey emphasizes that meaningful change begins with intentionality, encouraging leaders to take small, actionable steps today to become more effective in the coming year.
