6 Ways to Earn Trust as a Pastor

Dec 9, 2025

Learn how pastors can build trust in their communities with practical tips. Listening more than speaking fosters credibility, while following through on promises ensures reliability. Being present during crises and everyday moments strengthens relationships. A joyful demeanor can energize a congregation, and celebrating small wins cultivates gratitude and positivity. Long-term commitment, especially during tough times, shows dedication and builds trust in leadership.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Trust Determines Change Capacity

The degree you can lead change equals the degree people trust you.
Trust is built slowly over time and requires the pastor's patient investment.

ADVICE

Prioritize Intentional Listening

Listen more than you speak and become a better question-asker.
Show genuine interest and be fully present when people talk to you.

ADVICE

Keep Promises And Own Mistakes

Follow through on commitments and avoid overpromising.
Own failures, acknowledge weaknesses, and ask people to pray with you when you miss the mark.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.