Deposits and Withdrawals
The Currency of Pastoral Leadership
Last night, I gathered with a group of pastors and leaders to honor one of our own, Pastor Phil Simun, who was stepping aside from a key leadership role after many years of faithful service. During this meaningful event, one pastor shared a powerful testimony about how Pastor Phil had regularly invested in him, mentoring and encouraging him. Pastor Phil often emphasized a key principle, stating, “As leaders, we are constantly making deposits and withdrawals.”
As pastors and ministry leaders, we engage daily in a series of exchanges—moments where we either make deposits into or withdrawals from those we lead. Our interactions, words, attitudes, and decisions all leave a spiritual and emotional mark on the hearts of those entrusted to our care. The crucial question we must consistently ask ourselves is this:
Are we making more deposits than withdrawals?
The Apostle Paul captures this idea beautifully in his letter to the Thessalonian church:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Paul’s charge is clear: our primary task in leadership is to build others up. Each word of encouragement, every act of kindness, every demonstration of grace is a deposit that strengthens trust, builds relationship, and fosters spiritual health within our congregations. Conversely, criticism, harshness, neglect, or emotional unavailability serve as withdrawals, weakening bonds and eroding trust.
Consider your leadership as a spiritual bank account. Are you frequently making intentional deposits?
Deposits Matter
John Maxwell offers a simple but profound perspective on this, stating:
“Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.”
Deposits in pastoral leadership look like:
- Words of affirmation and genuine encouragement
- Acts of kindness and thoughtful presence
- Expressions of appreciation, publicly and privately
- Moments spent intentionally listening and understanding
- Consistent integrity and character
When we prioritize deposits, we create a culture of trust, openness, and spiritual vitality within our ministries.
Beware of Excessive Withdrawals
Just as deposits build up, withdrawals can drain relationships rapidly. Withdrawals might look like:
- Frequent criticism or impatience
- Neglecting meaningful engagement
- Allowing busyness to overshadow intentional care
- Overlooking acts of service or appreciation
Unchecked withdrawals ultimately lead to diminished effectiveness, relational breakdowns, and spiritual stagnation.
Practical Application
Take a moment this week to reflect:
- Evaluate Your Transactions: List recent interactions. Are they mostly deposits or withdrawals?
- Make Intentional Deposits: Commit to one specific action each day that will positively invest in someone’s life.
- Seek Accountability: Find a trusted peer who can help you stay mindful of your “transaction balance.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the call to lead people and the opportunity to invest in others for the sake of Your Kingdom and Your glory. Help me to be a leader who consistently makes deposits in the lives of those You’ve entrusted to me. Guard me from actions that withdraw life, joy, and hope from those around me. Empower me to lead with grace, patience, and intentional encouragement. May my leadership reflect Your heart and build Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.