As a leader, I currently have about five typed pages of ideas for our church community, ministries, and even the building. Every time I think of something that might help us grow spiritually or reach more people for Jesus, I quickly log it into my notes app to save for later. My heart longs to see God’s people flourish and the lost come to know Christ, and I don’t want to miss any opportunity that could help us do that.

To generate these ideas, I spend hours each week reading blogs, listening to podcasts, and devouring books. I’m also part of several pastors’ groups online, where I’m constantly reading comments and suggestions from other leaders. On top of that, my inbox is filled daily with messages from companies and authors who produce tools and resources to help churches succeed. My mind is continually filled with new ideas from leaders across the world who are doing great things for God.

But here’s the challenge: ideas are everywhere, yet wisdom comes only from God. It’s easy to get caught up in the flood of strategies, programs, and tools and forget to pause and ask the Lord, “What do You want for us?” Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Great ideas can inspire us, but only God’s direction can truly lead us. My prayer is that I never chase trends more than I pursue Jesus and his leading. I hope to filter every idea, every resource, and every suggestion through prayer and Scripture, so that the Church is not just busy but is faithful in following God.