In this conversation, Ron shares the story of his own call to ministry, the early influences that shaped him, and the lessons he’s in almost 40 years of leading La Croix Church. We dive into what it means to build a healthy church culture, the power of storytelling to draw people into God’s bigger story, and why developing leaders is always worth the risk of giving away ownership, and even letting them learn through failure. As Ron looks toward retirement, he reflects on the hope that drives him: raising up disciples who wholeheartedly follow Jesus.

Takeaways

Healthy leadership multiplies, it doesn’t center on one person.
Painful seasons often become the very soil where transformation takes root.
The legacy of a leader is discipleship - raising up others, giving them ownership and having that person learn through success and failure.

Episode field note: Stay open to God’s stretching work

Ron reminds us that growth is a lifelong posture. That kind of hunger to learn, to receive feedback, to stay open to God’s stretching work, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Resources and links

La Croix website: lacroixchurch.org

La Croix on socials: Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Follow SLI: @spiritualleadershipinc

Head to Spiritual Leadership, Inc to take a look at resources for ministry leaders.

Ep 20: Never Coasting: Ron Watts on Lifelong Growth in Leadership