Hi Reader,

It's Pastor Appreciation Month, but I'm guessing you feel under-appreciated. I've been there.

And one of the chief ways senior leaders feel under-appreciated is because they feel misunderstood.

Truthfully, if you've been a senior leader for more than ten minutes, you've likely made a decision that has left you feeling misunderstood.

• You had to make a tough call, but it's not appropriate (thanks to confidentiality) to fully explain why you made it.
• You made a hard staff or volunteer shuffle and can't explain why, and people are assuming things about you and the situation that aren't true.
• People left your church mad, and you want to try to win them back because they just don't get it. But you tried, and they are still mad.

Here's what you're thinking. If people just had the right information, they'd understand. They'd like me again.

Um, often, the answer to that hopeful thought is probably not.

Sometimes the price of being a leader is being misunderstood. And there's nothing you can do about it.

“ Sometimes the price of being a leader is being misunderstood. And there's nothing you can do about it.

So how do you cope, you ask?

Well, first, understand it comes with the job. No one else sits where you sit, sees what you see, and has to make the tough calls in quite the same way.

Second, know that a good decision (even if people don't think it's a good decision at the time) will prove itself out in the long run. Time helps with buy-in on all good decisions.

Third, learn all you can from the misunderstanding. Sometimes, you'll realize you made the right decision the wrong way. Own what you can from that, take notes, and grow wiser. Other times, you realize there was little you could do, and it was simply inevitable that you would be misunderstood.

Finally, don't go through it alone. Just because you can't talk about it publicly or with your entire team, pray about it, talk to a close confidante who loves you enough to give you honest feedback, and talk to a therapist.

But just know this. Being misunderstood is part of the price of leadership.

Others may not understand, but God does. And at least you have one friend here (me) who can empathize.

Sometimes knowing you're not alone and you're actually doing your job is enough encouragement to keep you going.

So keep going.

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Steps to grow this week

New Video ​Live Now

Why your brain is getting lazy. ​Watch what to do about it →​

Podcast ​Tuesday

Toni Nieuwhof, John Ortberg, & Ann Voskamp talk about the unanswerable questions. Subscribe →​

New Book ​Available Now

AI and The Future Church is available everywhere. ​Get It Now →​

The Art of Preaching ​Open Now

A Proven Method to Transform Your Preaching. Start Now →​

On The Rise ​Friday

A thoughtful article on the epidemic of fake experts our culture has produced, and how to spot them. Check your inbox on Friday!

Ready to stop figuring it out alone? The Art of Leadership Academy gives you proven guidance for YOUR church — leadership development and strategies trusted by 20,000+ leaders. Monthly coaching. A community of people advancing the Kingdom. Start for $57/month, cancel any time.

Cheering for you,

P.S. If you're not a senior leader but sit under one, send them a text or note of encouragement. It's Pastor Appreciation Month, and every little bit of encouragement helps.