6 Ways to Earn Trust as a Pastor 6 Ways to Earn Trust as a Pastor

Show Notes

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how pastors can earn trust in their congregations, especially in revitalization and replanting contexts. If you’re a pastor, church planter, or replanter, this episode offers practical, real-life ways to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and lead your people with integrity.

In this episode, they unpack six ways to earn trust as a pastor:

Listen more than you speak
- Learn how intentional listening builds pastoral credibility.
- Discover why slowing down, asking good questions, and really hearing your people matters more than having all the answers.
Follow through on what you say you’ll do
- Understand how consistency and reliability create trust over time.
- Explore simple practices to keep your word and manage expectations in your church.
Be present in crisis—and in everyday life
- See why showing up at hospital bedsides, funerals, and hard moments is crucial.
- Learn the importance of being there for non-crisis moments too: ball games, coffees, and casual conversations.
Be a joyful pastor
- Discover how genuine joy and hope influence the culture of your congregation.
- Hear why a pastor’s attitude can either drain or energize a church family.
Celebrate what God is doing in your church
- Learn how to highlight small wins and stories of God’s faithfulness.
- Use celebration to encourage your people and shape a culture of gratitude and expectancy.
Stay—especially when it’s hard
- Explore why long-term presence is one of the most powerful ways to build trust.
- Hear insights on perseverance, calling, and staying put in seasons of discouragement or slow growth.

This episode is especially helpful for:

Pastors in church revitalization or replanting
New pastors seeking to build trust early in their ministry
Church leaders wanting to strengthen unity and health in their congregation

Listen in for practical, gospel-centered wisdom on building trust as a pastor, earning credibility in ministry, and shepherding your church with faithfulness over the long haul.

Published December 9, 2025

6 Ways to Earn Trust as a Pastor

Connect with Us

Updates in Your Inbox

Talk to Someone