At Pastors Assembly Meeting 2, Pastor Jabin Chavez shared a powerful message from his sermon Defining Questions. In the Gospels, Jesus asked 135 questions, not to gain information but to provoke thought and deepen understanding. Instead of leading with certainty, He led with curiosity: What do you want? Where is your faith? Who do you say that I am?

As leaders, we often feel pressured to have all the answers. But Jesus’ example teaches us that great leadership isn’t about expertise; it’s about remaining curious. When we embrace the art of asking questions, we engage people more deeply, foster growth, and ultimately, lead more effectively.

Who Is God?

The most foundational question we can ask is, Who do I believe God is? Our perception of Him influences the way we lead, serve, and make decisions. In Matthew 25:24, Jesus tells the parable of three servants entrusted with talents, two who multiplied what they were given and one who buried his out of fear. Why? Because he saw his master as harsh.

Likewise, if we see God as distant, impatient, or easily frustrated, we may lead with fear, control, or insecurity. Many times, this response stems from personal wounds that have shaped our view of authority. But Scripture paints a different picture of God:

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." – Matthew 11:28

A flawed view of God leads to flawed leadership. When we recognize Him as loving, patient, and present, we lead with confidence, grace, and strength.

Who Are You?

Self-awareness is a leader’s greatest asset. In John 1:19-23, John the Baptist was asked, Who are you? He knew exactly who he was, but also who he wasn’t. He wasn’t the Messiah, but he was a voice preparing the way.

Many leaders struggle with comparison, trying to fit into someone else’s calling. But, like David rejecting Saul’s armor before facing Goliath, we must recognize when something doesn’t fit. If we don’t embrace our true identity, we will attract the wrong people, operate outside of grace, and eventually resent our calling.

Instead of resenting where God has placed us, we should invest in it. Our city, our church, our assignment are not accidents. Ministry flourishes when we lead authentically.

What’s Your Win?

In ministry, it’s easy to chase external achievements, bigger congregations, more influence, bestselling books. But when is enough, enough? If our definition of success is based on shifting metrics, we will always feel like we’re falling short.

True success is daily obedience to God. Goals and vision are important, but they should never define our identity or self-worth. The health of our ministry isn’t measured by numbers alone, it’s measured by spiritual depth, meaningful relationships, and lasting impact.

A ministry focused solely on growth will burn out. A ministry focused on faithfulness will endure.

Have You Prayed About It?

Prayer was the foundation of the early church, preceding every major moment in the book of Acts, before choosing leaders, facing persecution, appointing ministers, or stepping into new missions, they prayed. From Pentecost to miracles in prison, prayer was the catalyst for breakthrough. Without prayer, we strip ministry of its power. The Word brings faith, but prayer brings grace. When we neglect prayer, we rob our churches of God’s anointing, forfeiting divine strength. But when we prioritize it, we invite God’s presence into every decision and challenge, ensuring that our ministry is not just built on strategy but sustained by the Spirit.

When we seek God, embrace our identity, redefine success, and make prayer a priority, our ministry becomes stronger and more impactful. Take time to reflect: Who is God? Who are you? What’s your win? Have you prayed about it? Lean into curiosity, lead with authenticity, and trust God with the results. 

Watch Pastor Jabin Chavez’s full sermon, Defining Questions, on our Friends + Family YouTube channel today! 

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