In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastor Chris Hodges and Pastor Lee Domingue kick off a new ministry season by unpacking the six essential pillars of church health that every pastor and leadership team should focus on.

Fresh off a season of rest and preparation, Pastor Chris shares a practical roadmap that distills decades of ministry experience into six foundational areas that consistently produce healthy churches. Whether you're planting a church, leading a staff, or preparing for your next season of growth, this conversation provides actionable wisdom you can begin implementing immediately.

No matter the size or season of your church, these six principles provide a practical framework for building a ministry that is healthy, sustainable, and positioned for lasting kingdom impact.

Episode Resources:

  • PC's Notes on a High Touch Environment:

  • 1. Love and accept yourself.

  • 2. Express your love openly. Stand at the door and shake hands. Say things like, "I 

wish everyone could have the privilege of pastoring you."

  • 3. Put energy into being likeable.

  • 4. Be the first to apologize.

  • 5. Let other people save face. Let them off the hook.

  • 6. Smile a lot.

  • 7. Make all the friends you can.

  • 8. Be transparent and authentic.

  • 9. Lead by example.

  • 10. Be predictable and consistent.

  • 11. Never show your anger in public.

  • 12. Think people not events.

  • 13. Practice the 30/30 principle (the most important part of a service is the 30 

minutes before and after the service – spend time with people).

  • 14. Walk slowly through the crowd.

  • 15. Always be a friend to the little man. The popular come and go. Put the little man 

on the front row.

  • 16. Return all emails and phone calls within 24 hours.

  • 17. Write notes.

  • 18. Reward faithfulness openly. Take time to do it.

  • 19. Laugh more. Make everything fun.

  • 20. Don't miss significant events (births, weddings, funerals, anniversaries, 

graduations, achievements, etc.) They only come around once.

  • 21. Heal the hurt when someone is wounded.

  • 22. Give others credit and accept none.

  • 23. Connect people with other people.

  • 24. Remember names.

  • 25. Focus on their interests. Ask questions.

  • 26. Let them know you need them.

  • 27. Value people. If you don't value them, you will manipulate them. Manipulation 

is moving them for your advantage. See them as a person to be loved.

  • 28. Follow the 101% Principle. Find the 1% that you agree on and give it 100% of 

your effort. Find common ground. Don't focus on differences.

  • 29. Follow the Golden Rule. In every situation, treat people the way you want to be 

treated.

  • 30. Seek out resources to help you grow in your relationship skills

 

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