When I started in ministry, I was a below-average pastor, probably far below average. I consulted mentors, read leadership books, and prayed for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It still took me years to improve. Leadership literature is chock-full of ways an average leader can become great. Most of us assume we’re at least reasonably good. Greatness is just a book, a conference or a degree away.
I believe run-of-the-mill leaders can improve with training. A desire to learn, self-awareness, and a solid work ethic go a long way. Some leaders, however, are just bad. They don’t lead well. Poor decisions are the norm. This was me 20 years ago. Why are some pastors below average? I believe most pastors want to lead their congregations in a way that honors God. I believe most pastors care about their flocks.
And God uses different types of leaders in different contexts. A rural setting, for example, requires a different type of leader than an urban one. Neither is superior to the other simply because of contextual expertise. However, sincere pastoral concern doesn't automatically produce effective leadership. And some pastors are poor examples of leadership, even if they really do care. Years of practice entrench bad habits.
Over time, repeated mistakes and uncorrected weaknesses can turn a mediocre leader into a genuinely bad one. Sometimes poor leadership stems from context or position. The church leader is a poor fit for the church, ministry focus or setting. What makes a good lead pastor doesn't make a good middle school pastor. What makes a good worship pastor doesn't make a good children’s pastor.
While environment and position influence bad leadership, not every case of poor leadership can be blamed on a mismatch. Some leaders are outliers on the wrong side of the bell curve.