7 Types of Leaders Every Pastor Values (and How to Become One)

Ask any pastor what makes their ministry thrive, and they won’t say, “the most talented people.” They’ll say, “the most faithful people.”

Church leadership isn’t about favoritism. It’s about faithfulness. Yet many church members and even volunteers sometimes feel overlooked. They wonder: Why am I not being used more? Why don’t I get more opportunities? Why do some leaders always seem to get called on first?

The truth is, pastors and church leaders do have “favorites”, but not in the sense of playing politics. Their favorites are the people they can trust, depend on, and lean into during ministry’s most critical moments.

In this Leader Letter, we’ll explore 7 types of leaders pastors value most and how you can grow into one. If you want to expand your influence in ministry, this framework will show you the way.

Let’s unpack this.

1. Leaders They Can Trust

The first question every pastor asks is simple: Can I trust you?

Trust isn’t built on skill. It’s built on consistency. Can you be counted on to show up when you said you would? Can you keep confidence when someone shares a burden with you? Can you handle responsibility without needing constant supervision?

In ministry, there’s no substitute for trustworthiness. A pastor cannot and will not delegate to someone they don’t trust (read that again, please).

How to grow in trustworthiness:

• Do what you say you will do, every time, all the time.

• Be transparent when mistakes happen.

• Protect the unity of the church by refusing to gossip.

When a leader is trusted, they move to the front of the line for responsibility

2. Leaders Who Make the Right Decisions

Pastors don’t just need people who are present; they need people who make good decisions.

Every day in ministry requires countless judgment calls. How should a volunteer be encouraged? How should a conflict be handled? How should a guest be welcomed? These aren’t small details. They are spiritual moments that either build or break trust in the church.

Leaders who consistently make wise, Spirit-led decisions help the church move forward. They may not always be in the spotlight, but their discernment creates ripple effects.

How to grow in discernment:

• Establish your decisions in Scripture.

• Seek wisdom before reacting.

• Prioritize what serves people and glorifies God over personal convenience.

Pastors notice when someone makes the right call at the right time. Those leaders quickly become “favorites.”

3. Leaders Who Fill a Role

The church is the body of Christ, and every part matters (1 Corinthians 12).

Not everyone can preach. Not everyone can sing. Not everyone can lead a ministry department. But everyone can fill a role that the church desperately needs.

Some leaders make the mistake of chasing positions rather than filling roles. They want the title of “director,” “pastor,” or “overseer,” but resist stepping into the quiet gaps of ministry. Pastors love leaders who see the need and simply step in.

Examples of valuable roles:

• Running sound when no one else volunteers.

• Mentoring a young believer.

• Coordinating follow-up calls.

• Leading a small group faithfully, week after week.

Churches don’t thrive on talent alone. They thrive on leaders who know their role and fill it with joy.

4. Leaders Who Help the Church Grow

At the end of the day, the mission of the church is to make disciples (Matthew 28:19).

Pastors value leaders who help the church move closer to that mission. Growth doesn’t always mean bigger crowds. It often looks like deeper discipleship, healthier families, and a stronger community.

But every church also wants to see new people coming to faith. Leaders who invite friends, engage with visitors, and follow up with guests directly impact church growth.

Ways leaders help the church grow:

• Sharing their faith with boldness.

• Creating environments of hospitality.

• Investing in one-on-one discipleship.

• Supporting outreach events with prayer and presence.

If your actions consistently move the mission forward, pastors will see you as essential to the life of the church.

5. Leaders Who Work Hard

Ministry is hard work. And that’s an understatement.

Planning services, caring for people, running events, and training volunteers takes energy, sacrifice, and sweat. Pastors naturally value leaders who show up prepared and give their best effort.

Hard work isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. Leaders who bring effort, even when no one is watching, create a culture that inspires others.

Practical ways to show hard work in ministry:

• Arrive early and stay late.

• Bring solutions, not just problems.

• Serve with excellence, not bare minimum effort.

• Keep a “whatever it takes” spirit.

Hard-working leaders become examples. They raise the bar for the whole team.

6. Leaders Who Are Committed

Commitment is rare in a culture where people often quit when things get hard.

But pastors treasure leaders who stay faithful through seasons of growth and seasons of challenge. Commitment doesn’t mean blind loyalty. It means being invested in the mission long-term, not just when it’s convenient.

Signs of a committed leader:

• They don’t disappear when problems arise.

• They stick with assignments until they’re finished.

• They keep showing up, even when enthusiasm fades.

• They weather church transitions without abandoning ship.

Commitment creates stability. Stable leaders create stable teams. Stable teams create healthy churches.

When you show that level of faithfulness, pastors will lean on you again and again.

7. Leaders Who Have Gifting

Finally, gifting matters. You can’t lead without some measure of skill or calling.

But remember, gifting alone is never enough. A church doesn’t thrive on talent; it thrives on faithfulness. That’s why so many highly gifted leaders end up sidelined, while steady, faithful leaders keep growing in influence.

How to grow your gifting:

• Develop your skills through learning and practice.

• Stay humble enough to keep growing.

• Pair your gifting with character, trust, and commitment.

Gifting gets you noticed. Faithfulness keeps you in the game.

Pastors and Favorites

So, do pastors and leaders have favorites? Yes. But not in the way most people think.

They don’t choose favorites based on personality or popularity. They value people who can be trusted, who work hard, who make good decisions, who fill roles, who help the church grow, who stay committed, and who develop their gifting with humility.

If you want greater influence in your church, don’t chase titles or visibility. Focus on these seven qualities. They will make you the kind of leader every pastor values, and the kind of disciple Jesus calls you to be.

Final Word

Leadership in the church is not about favoritism. It’s about faithfulness. And when you grow in faithfulness, you’ll naturally expand your influence.

If you’re ready to grow as a leader who makes, matures, and multiplies other leaders, I’d love to help you. My work is designed to help pastors and church leaders like you build strategies that work, systems that last, and leaders who lead with both heart and impact.

👉🏽 Click here to start the conversation.

See you next Saturday!

Eric V Hampton