Pastoral Patience

by Rev. Travis Norton, Pinnacle West Associate

Wait for it.

As a church leader, I have ideas. I have visions and dreams for the future that genuinely excite me. I pitch these ideas to my staff or leadership team, refine them based on their feedback, and then bring them to the congregation.

After 22 years of ministry, I’ve discovered a surprising reality: there’s a long lag time between the pitch and the real response. What I mean is—longer than I ever expected, so long that sometimes it feels like no response is coming. You have to wait awhile for the response before taking the next step. And waiting on your idea, that you're so invested in, can be really hard!

Let’s call it pastoral patience.

Sometimes, it can take months for an idea, a new initiative, or a building campaign to filter through the hearts and minds of the congregation. Only then does their honest reaction begin to surface. Remember, you’ve already wrestled with the skepticism, the risks, and the adjustments. They haven’t. They’re just getting started.

It takes time—often months—for people to process the same journey you’ve already traveled in developing something new. Let them think. Let them get back to you. Give them a path to share feedback.

The danger for leaders is mistaking quiet for consent—moving forward before people have had the chance to truly digest. When that happens, you risk discouragement, redirection, or even resistance. People need space to process so they can truly own the vision with you.

Pastoral patience pays off.

In time, they’ll respond with honest critique, healthy hesitation, and real concerns. That’s your opportunity to listen. Being heard fosters trust. And trust leads to support.
If you or your congregation are stepping into a season of change, or if you're longing to cast a new vision for the future, I'd be honored to walk alongside you. Pinnacle West Leadership Associates is ready to help you navigate that journey.

Reach out to me directly at travsnorton@hotmail.com or visit our website: Pinnacle Leadership Associates.