Why Leaders Get Cold Feet

Episode #378
November 7, 2017
Rainer on Leadership Podcast Logo

Podcast Episode #378

Cold feet often plagues pastors and their decision making. Today we discuss reasons for this cold feet syndrome and how to battle it.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • We are now in a time where incremental change in the church does not work like it used to.
  • Don’t make decisions based on conflict avoidance.
  • Too many pastors are not trained to lead. They’re trained theologically, but not in leadership.
  • The greatest fear I have when leading change is not knowing what I don’t know.
  • Change is both incremental and sudden.
  • If you’re going to lead change, you need a long-term view.

The seven reasons for cold feet that we discuss on this episode are:

  1. The critics.
  2. The energy drainers.
  3. Lack of knowledge.
  4. Prayerlessness.
  5. Short-term view.
  6. Inadequate staff and lay leadership.
  7. Faith-as-idea.

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search GroupVanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. Their Fall Lead Pastor and Executive Pastor Coaching Networks are now open for registration, and our very own Dr. Rainer will be speaking at the Fall Lead Pastor Coaching Network.

So if you’re a Lead Pastor or an Executive Pastor looking for peer roundtable coaching, check it out at vanderbloemen.com/coaching. It’s limited to 16 folks, so apply today before it fills up.


Midwestern Seminary is interested in helping you get to the field faster. And they’re serious about training leaders for the church. That’s why they’ve created the all-new Accelerate Program. In Midwestern’s Accelerate Program, students earn both Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Divinity degree in just 5 years of intensive study. That’s a B.A. and an M.Div. at the same time. This innovative residential program combines rigorous academic training with practical ministry preparation, resulting in one of the most effective programs around, so that you can pursue your ministry calling as soon as possible.

Two degrees in five years – all in one program: Accelerate at Midwestern Seminary. Take the next step by visiting mbts.edu/accelerate.


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Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast