If you have ever read a book on leadership, taken a leadership class, or just perused a leadership website, you have seen lots of hands-on practical advice for leaders. But, what isn't quite as common is what leaders need to stop doing to be successful. In fact, what leaders stop doing is sometimes MORE important, because it can mean breaking bad habits, gaining time to do more important things, and providing opportunity to take on all that great leadership advice you have never implemented in the first place.

When we look at the Catholic Church, there are many things that Catholic leaders should stop doing, but I have tried to narrow it down to just five of the most important. Here they are:
 

1. Stop asking your congregation for their ideas on how to improve! There is a lot of money and time going into surveying the masses and little of it is helpful. Imagine if Jesus asked his followers what they wanted to see out of his leadership? I wonder how Simon would have responded to the "pastoral planning survey" that we do so often. I don't think it would have been near what Jesus' vision for his Church was. The unfortunate reality is that too few Catholics have any understanding of how to evangelize, disciple, spiritually multiply, change culture, be a catalyst for conversion, etc. So, why are we asking their opinions on things they have no expertise on? Rather, I propose that leaders need to lead with a compelling vision and then get others on board.
2. Stop settling for mediocrity (if that) and the status quo! We have 6 people leaving the Catholic Church in the USA, for every 1 joining it! We can't continue the status quo and survive! It is NOT ok to just be ok. It is NOT fine and dandy that we have parishes that are dying. It is NOT ok that so few folks have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is NOT ok that we don't have a culture of evangelization and discipleship. It is NOT ok that we have so many people on the road to destruction. Truly, if we value the salvation of others, we need to be upset that we have settled for being mediocre, as a people.
3. Stop wasting your time in the minor things, rather than the most important things. Think of it this way, where did Jesus spend most of his time? What about the Apostles? What about the Saints? Yes, I understand that you have administrative duties. Yes, I know there are a million things pulling you in different directions. Say it with me..."NO". No to the busyness. No to the unimportant. No to the things you enjoy even. YES to the things that impact the lives of others. YES to real hands-on ministry. YES to the things that help fulfill the big picture vision of our ministry.
4. Stop thinking that God wants little from you. Too often we limit ourselves, when God wants to do something great through us. I have struggled with this one myself. When I was discerning where God wanted me to go, after leaving campus ministry, the doubt kept creeping back in. "I am not meant to do big things, just small ones", I would tell myself. Lies. God wants us all to be great saints and evangelists. He wants to use our frailty, wounds, inadequacies, etc so that His glory shines through! When we realize that God working through us is about Him, and not us, that is one of the most humbling moments of all.
5. Stop looking for magic bullets and quick-fixes. Say it with me, "there are no magic bullets or quick-fixes!" Now, the trick is to start believing it is true. Think of your own bad habits. They are really difficult to break, aren't they? So, why would any aspect of life-changing ministry work be easy? It isn't! So, let us stop thinking of it as if it is. Stop looking for the next program, event, class, curriculum, book, etc. and start to admit what you don't know, aren't good at, and need help with. Now, seek out that help! Learn something new! Try something for the first time!

BONUS ITEMS:

• Stop expecting so little from our people. We can't fulfill the Great Commission alone, so why aren't we creating a pathway to missionary discipleship?
• Stop judging those who are immersed in the culture. Yes, there is a lot of crap in the culture. So go work to save it...not judge it!
• Stop comparing yourself to other leaders. Your job is unique. You are unique. Stop the comparisons and be you!
• Stop acting like everything is fine. Take off the masks. Model vulnerability. Be authentic. It works.
• Stop overworking yourself. Set good boundaries and follow them. You aren't the Savior of the world!
• Stop making excuses for not being faithful to your prayer time.