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Lead Like It Matters: 7 Leadership Principles for a Church That Lasts
Discover the secret to igniting a life-giving, soul-transforming, people-inspiring movement in your organization, church, or ministry.
New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, an innovative multisite church known around the world and an organization that Glassdoor has named a #1 U.S. Best Place to Work. But it didn't happen by accident. In 1996, a handful of congregants worshipped together in a two-car garage. Today, the church welcomes tens of thousands of attendees in multiple states across the country and globally at Life.Church Online.
Lead Like It Matters presents Groeschel's transformative insights on how to effectively build a thriving, enduring ministry and organization. Using his skills as a top leader, he combines straight-talk and wry honesty with biblical and leadership principles to equip you with the tools
Recognize when your organization or ministry has the indefinable but tangible "it" that leads to success
Identify and implement seven leadership principles for a church that lasts
Ignite a fire in your team to leave behind "what we've always done" for the meaningful ministry you know is possible
Discover the three areas every leader must master for success
Lead Like It Matters reveals the secret for building ministry momentum and then keeping it going.
*This is a completely revised and updated version of the book previously published as It.
New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, an innovative multisite church known around the world and an organization that Glassdoor has named a #1 U.S. Best Place to Work. But it didn't happen by accident. In 1996, a handful of congregants worshipped together in a two-car garage. Today, the church welcomes tens of thousands of attendees in multiple states across the country and globally at Life.Church Online.
Lead Like It Matters presents Groeschel's transformative insights on how to effectively build a thriving, enduring ministry and organization. Using his skills as a top leader, he combines straight-talk and wry honesty with biblical and leadership principles to equip you with the tools
Recognize when your organization or ministry has the indefinable but tangible "it" that leads to success
Identify and implement seven leadership principles for a church that lasts
Ignite a fire in your team to leave behind "what we've always done" for the meaningful ministry you know is possible
Discover the three areas every leader must master for success
Lead Like It Matters reveals the secret for building ministry momentum and then keeping it going.
*This is a completely revised and updated version of the book previously published as It.
247 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
346 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
Craig Groeschel
98 books1,675 followersCraig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, a multisite church with locations throughout the United States and globally at Life.Church Online.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 28, 2024
Practical book for ministry leaders. Grateful for Craig’s wisdom he shares here.
August 30, 2022
I believed I was a good leader before reading this book. I believed that I may learn one or two helpful tools, but for the most part I felt like I was in good shape.
Boy was I wrong.
I didn’t realize how spiritually complacent I had gotten in my leading and learning and loving. This book is a MUST READ for all leaders. Groeschel has wrecked my life in the best way, giving me hundreds of things to think through and work on. This book is marked up and highlighted more than any other book I’ve read this year.
I highly recommend this.
Boy was I wrong.
I didn’t realize how spiritually complacent I had gotten in my leading and learning and loving. This book is a MUST READ for all leaders. Groeschel has wrecked my life in the best way, giving me hundreds of things to think through and work on. This book is marked up and highlighted more than any other book I’ve read this year.
I highly recommend this.
August 12, 2022
Churches either have "it," or they don't, argues Pastor Craig Groschel, in his book "Lead Like it Matters."
I think there is truth in this. I remember when I was growing up and my family would drive back in to the city to the church where my brothers and I were baptized and confirmed. We had a small youth group. Probably less than 10 kids in this little city church. But they were family.
In Edina, where we lived and where I went to high school, there was a large church with a very active youth ministry. They probably had over 100 young people gathering weekly. And when they went on retreats, they took 2 to 3 coach buses. Young people walked around the high school wearing t-shirts with that youth group's logo on it. (The youth group even had its own logo!)
That group had it.
Our group couldn't pull off a retreat. There weren't enough of us. A big event for us was when 6 or 7 would go on a hayride, or would go to a haunted house, or something like that.
Groschel argues that congregations have "it" because their leadership has "it." And I don't disagree. At least not completely. And congregations that have "it" are growing, are dynamic, are innovative and draw new people.
Who doesn't want to have it? Right?
There are a couple of words of caution that I want to toss into the mix here though:
To have "it" as Groschel defines it, is not necessarily the be all and end all. Sometimes "it" means popular. And to be a popular church is not necessarily the same thing as being a faithful church, or a serving church. In fact, sometimes, I think popularity might be a bit of a red flag. Sometimes we chase popularity...we chase "it," like some kind of golden calf. Yes, I want Trinity to have "it." But even more, I want us to be faithful, even at the expense of having "it."
Don't get me wrong. I think congregations need to have many of the things Groschel describes. We need to be authentic. We need to have integrity. We need to remain focused on Jesus. These things are all true. But we do that not so that we can be attractive to others...but instead so that we can be faithful to God's Word and God's will.
My little youth group that I had growing up...it was small...but it was mighty. We had a different kind of "it." Even in our midst, the Holy Spirit showed up.
I like this book. But it is written out of Groschel's theological and practical world view. And while that works for him, (and I give him a lot of credit. I think he's a good communicator, and a good leader) we have to recognize that it may not work for everyone.
I want to have "it." For all of the right reasons.
I think there is truth in this. I remember when I was growing up and my family would drive back in to the city to the church where my brothers and I were baptized and confirmed. We had a small youth group. Probably less than 10 kids in this little city church. But they were family.
In Edina, where we lived and where I went to high school, there was a large church with a very active youth ministry. They probably had over 100 young people gathering weekly. And when they went on retreats, they took 2 to 3 coach buses. Young people walked around the high school wearing t-shirts with that youth group's logo on it. (The youth group even had its own logo!)
That group had it.
Our group couldn't pull off a retreat. There weren't enough of us. A big event for us was when 6 or 7 would go on a hayride, or would go to a haunted house, or something like that.
Groschel argues that congregations have "it" because their leadership has "it." And I don't disagree. At least not completely. And congregations that have "it" are growing, are dynamic, are innovative and draw new people.
Who doesn't want to have it? Right?
There are a couple of words of caution that I want to toss into the mix here though:
To have "it" as Groschel defines it, is not necessarily the be all and end all. Sometimes "it" means popular. And to be a popular church is not necessarily the same thing as being a faithful church, or a serving church. In fact, sometimes, I think popularity might be a bit of a red flag. Sometimes we chase popularity...we chase "it," like some kind of golden calf. Yes, I want Trinity to have "it." But even more, I want us to be faithful, even at the expense of having "it."
Don't get me wrong. I think congregations need to have many of the things Groschel describes. We need to be authentic. We need to have integrity. We need to remain focused on Jesus. These things are all true. But we do that not so that we can be attractive to others...but instead so that we can be faithful to God's Word and God's will.
My little youth group that I had growing up...it was small...but it was mighty. We had a different kind of "it." Even in our midst, the Holy Spirit showed up.
I like this book. But it is written out of Groschel's theological and practical world view. And while that works for him, (and I give him a lot of credit. I think he's a good communicator, and a good leader) we have to recognize that it may not work for everyone.
I want to have "it." For all of the right reasons.
December 9, 2024
This book WILL change you! It is amazing for leaders, not just pastors. I'm a student organization leader and I feel like I've learned so much by reading this book. It challenged me to rethink my direction and values. I am sure to say I need to study this book with the next leader I will leave behind me to lead the organization!
January 12, 2023
More like 3.5 stars. Parts of this book were really good, and parts were not.
August 3, 2022
INSPIRING - PRACTICAL - AUTHENTIC
November 28, 2023
This book couldn’t have come at a better time in my spiritual walk. Not only are the principles applicable, simple and effective; the personal reflection also gets to the core of many issues that a leader may face personally or ministerially.
If you’re a church leader who’s new, or feeling like they’ve lost some of their fire for the lord, pick this up. It will change your life. Because, with the risk of sounding like I’m exaggerating, it’s certainly helped change mine
If you’re a church leader who’s new, or feeling like they’ve lost some of their fire for the lord, pick this up. It will change your life. Because, with the risk of sounding like I’m exaggerating, it’s certainly helped change mine
March 1, 2025
Another leadership book for the church that we didn’t need.
October 23, 2022
Above all the things I've listened to and read from Craig Groeschel, I feel like this one reveals his heart for ministry and Jesus. I've learned a lot from Craig over the years, but I have never been more impressed with his heart. This book reveals a disciple who truly loves Jesus and wants to reach the lost. In this book, I love how he simplifies and focuses the church on the Gospel. I cannot recommend this book enough for ministry leaders.
I did have two philosophy of ministry critiques. I'll just mention one here. Craig says that the church doesn’t exist for the convinced and he argues that it exists for the unconvinced and his example is people who leave saying “we’re not getting fed”. My critique is that reaching the lost is ONE part of the purpose of the church. "We're not getting fed" is a cry for deeper discipleship. Reaching the lost doesn’t define why the church gathers. The church gathers to grow and is sent to reach the lost. But even in this philosophy of ministry difference, I agree with Craig's outward focused emphasis. This is a minor philosophy difference I had with the book, but I only mention that because I was in whole-hearted agreement with nearly everything else. For a church with a lot of resources, Craig argues that resources aren't what have blessed his church. He is centered on Christ and the Gospel, and I can't give higher praise than that for a church leader.
I did have two philosophy of ministry critiques. I'll just mention one here. Craig says that the church doesn’t exist for the convinced and he argues that it exists for the unconvinced and his example is people who leave saying “we’re not getting fed”. My critique is that reaching the lost is ONE part of the purpose of the church. "We're not getting fed" is a cry for deeper discipleship. Reaching the lost doesn’t define why the church gathers. The church gathers to grow and is sent to reach the lost. But even in this philosophy of ministry difference, I agree with Craig's outward focused emphasis. This is a minor philosophy difference I had with the book, but I only mention that because I was in whole-hearted agreement with nearly everything else. For a church with a lot of resources, Craig argues that resources aren't what have blessed his church. He is centered on Christ and the Gospel, and I can't give higher praise than that for a church leader.
August 28, 2023
Great reminders of the systems you need in place to lead well. Vision, focus, camaraderie, Innovation, and kingdom-mindedness are essential if you want to lead well anywhere, especially in a local church setting. We need good leaders right now so lead like it matters.
August 3, 2024
One word - Gross!
January 4, 2026
I’m giving this a 3.5?? It took me a few months to get through, but definitely interesting as someone on staff at a church. Here are some notes I took:
When there is no vision:
* Most ideas seem like good ideas. This leads to overprogramming and burnout.
* There is nothing compelling to give to. This leads to a consumer mindset instead of a contributor mindset.
* Organizations focus inward. This leads to a slow and painful death.
* Instead of working together toward a common goal, people compete for resources.
Vision:
- People should be able to state it, but they can only learn it if we talk about it enough.
- If people understand AND believe in it, some will give their lives to it. We don’t go to church, they are the church.
Divine Focus: Means you know what you need to do, but even more you know what you need to say no to.
When there is no vision:
* Most ideas seem like good ideas. This leads to overprogramming and burnout.
* There is nothing compelling to give to. This leads to a consumer mindset instead of a contributor mindset.
* Organizations focus inward. This leads to a slow and painful death.
* Instead of working together toward a common goal, people compete for resources.
Vision:
- People should be able to state it, but they can only learn it if we talk about it enough.
- If people understand AND believe in it, some will give their lives to it. We don’t go to church, they are the church.
Divine Focus: Means you know what you need to do, but even more you know what you need to say no to.
September 16, 2023
3.5 Stars
Craig Groeschel is an excellent communicator, and his unique blend of humility, confidence and humor make this another valuable book.
I read this with a men's group in church, and that experience probably held it back as it is clearly directed at pastors and church policymakers. There is a lot of good info in here about being a church on mission but the emphasis was on what the church is rather than how layman in the church cen serve well from within. (Not the books fault, just not the perfect context.)
This is a fine book for pastors and church leaders with lots of good reminders and insights.
Craig Groeschel is an excellent communicator, and his unique blend of humility, confidence and humor make this another valuable book.
I read this with a men's group in church, and that experience probably held it back as it is clearly directed at pastors and church policymakers. There is a lot of good info in here about being a church on mission but the emphasis was on what the church is rather than how layman in the church cen serve well from within. (Not the books fault, just not the perfect context.)
This is a fine book for pastors and church leaders with lots of good reminders and insights.
October 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this, might be my favorite work from Groeschel (but that might be my bias serving currently as an executive pastor). Fun fact the christian atheist was my first christian book I ever read besides the Bible!
I give this a 4.5, only things I would change are additions. I feel the absence of the Holy Spirit being mentioned in the first half of the book is a miss. Also the lack of mention to sabbath is troublesome as that’s in my opinion what’s leading to significant burnout in ministry.
But that aside, it’s fabulous! I did not read the original book ‘it’, but the sections he added (given in the introduction) are really great in giving the book a well rounded feel.
I give this a 4.5, only things I would change are additions. I feel the absence of the Holy Spirit being mentioned in the first half of the book is a miss. Also the lack of mention to sabbath is troublesome as that’s in my opinion what’s leading to significant burnout in ministry.
But that aside, it’s fabulous! I did not read the original book ‘it’, but the sections he added (given in the introduction) are really great in giving the book a well rounded feel.
August 12, 2022
Great Book help church staff and leaders break free from the ‘Professionalism’ of ministry
This book confirmed some things I was already doing and revealed things I need to personally address. A great resource for church staff and leadership to read together. When we usually lose ‘IT’ because we did not realize what “IT” was. Now that I have an understanding of what “IT’ is I have better chance of not loosing it and if I do I know that I can get “IT” back.
This book confirmed some things I was already doing and revealed things I need to personally address. A great resource for church staff and leadership to read together. When we usually lose ‘IT’ because we did not realize what “IT” was. Now that I have an understanding of what “IT’ is I have better chance of not loosing it and if I do I know that I can get “IT” back.
November 14, 2022
Craig Groeschel managed to set my sights on some lofty, spiritual heights, while also offering me some extremely accessible helps that gave me hope to get there. As a pastor in the early months of a new church plant, I felt my faith grow as I read this. I felt challenged to believe God for more. But I also feel as though I now have some new tools in my hands to work with, some of which I’ve already used. This extremely practical book reminded me in compelling ways that I have permission to risk, and I have permission to fail. But most importantly, Craig pointed me to Jesus and reminded me that all the helps and tips and tools he’s recommending aren’t worth a hill of beans if I’m not pursuing a genuine walk with Jesus. This book raised my perspective to something much higher than merely vibrant church growth and fruitfulness — it raised my perspective to want more of Jesus, for myself as well as for anyone around me.
December 1, 2022
It's incredible what desperation will do? Ministries will begin begging God to work & when God works it is easy to become complacent. A person or church that once thrived no seems to only going through the motions - they've lost something? They've lost "it!" Craig Groeschel shares what it means to lose "it." Through God's Word and even personal testimony- Craig encourages readers to keep "it" and what how to get "it" back if you have lost "it." Really good and challenging read.
January 15, 2023
The book describes what contributes to churches having “it” and how to get/sustain “it”. Some of the points made were very beneficial to read, especially chapter 9 about having hearts focused outward, but others seemed less beneficial for a churches growth and sustainability. Overall it was interesting to read about Craig Groeschel’s experiences while pastoring a church. There were a lot of “dad jokes” tossed in the chapters as well.
December 19, 2024
As per usual, this book by Craig Groeschel was so so good! I knew he was a leadership guru and i enjoy his podcast, but he has a way of writing that is captivating, compelling, and motivating. This book is really for church leaders but there was so much wisdom and knowledge to glean from it as a believer and someone working in ministry. He is confident yet humble and has so much to share. He has all the principles you need for you church or ministry to have “it.” — whatever that means. :)
August 27, 2025
Great leadership principles for any leader in business, community, or church ministry
While the focus of this book is how to have an effective Christian ministry, the leadership principles apply to any leader in business or community. The examples and descriptions Craig uses for each leadership principle are clear and easily understood. I need to add this book to my yearly reading as a reminder to pay attention to core practices for successful leadership. Recommended!
While the focus of this book is how to have an effective Christian ministry, the leadership principles apply to any leader in business or community. The examples and descriptions Craig uses for each leadership principle are clear and easily understood. I need to add this book to my yearly reading as a reminder to pay attention to core practices for successful leadership. Recommended!
November 26, 2025
Every time I get some Groeschel, I wonder why I don’t get more of his materials and resources. This title was a good follow up to “IT” (not the Stephen King version) and was rich in accessible, biblically practical wisdom. While I’m still not sold on mega church model or multi site campuses, he doesn’t at all push that & the material is rich for every size of church and leadership. Very appreciative of this!
May 19, 2022
Timely and important message for ministry leaders. I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and then hear from the author on this same topic. Craig Groeschel is passionate about the Church and helping ministries become the best they can to share the message of Christ with the world. I was challenged and encouraged at the same time. Highly recommend.
August 8, 2022
Real, Raw, and invaluable. This book is not only for church leaders, but for all leaders. Lead Like It Matters, truly drills down into what it means to have “it”, what it means to lose “it”, and how to get “it” back. This book is filled with wisdom, knowledge, and is a game changer for everyone’s leadership. This is my favorite book Ps. Craig Groeschel has ever written.
August 12, 2022
Better than the first one!
As someone who loved the first addition of this book and read it a few time this one is much better, more throughout, and deeper on the application. By far the best part of the book is the end. A real person being very real with others about what it’s like to lead and live.
As someone who loved the first addition of this book and read it a few time this one is much better, more throughout, and deeper on the application. By far the best part of the book is the end. A real person being very real with others about what it’s like to lead and live.
August 31, 2022
This book challenged the way I look at God and the Church. It has compelled me to draw closer to God and give my all to serving Him. Some of this was difficult to read in a convicting way, and Pastor Craig admits much of it was difficult to write. I pray God uses this book to grow your love for Him and your passion for the lost.
January 5, 2023
I found this book to be incredibly helpful in relation to ministry in general, but it focuses mostly on the leaders within a church. It has many suggestions, tips, and examples which make the chapters easy to understand. You have to read this book with a humble heart and a learning mindset otherwise you will probably dislike it strongly.
January 8, 2023
While this book was written with a focus on church leadership, the message was clear about setting priorities and having a steady focus. As a leader of any team, this book was a great way to start the year with a strong conviction for what I want my team to look like for the next 12 months and beyond.
November 9, 2022
Very Good. I’ve always liked Craig Groeschel, and used some of his material once when we taught a class on Chazown. I find some of his sermons a bit vacuous, and had my doubts about this book, but we read it as a ministry team, and I thought it was very helpful.
December 15, 2022
I read this book when it was just titled It. The book, while still providing several good insights, especially the chapter on systems, had more impact on me when I read it ten years ago. This probably has more to do with where I am in my ministry than the book's actual value.
June 22, 2023
I’m wrecked and sobered
Just read this book. If you’re a church leader/pastor, this book will change your life. I can’t even describe what the Holy Spirit has started in me through this book but I hope it challenges you like it did me.
Just read this book. If you’re a church leader/pastor, this book will change your life. I can’t even describe what the Holy Spirit has started in me through this book but I hope it challenges you like it did me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews