Passion Church - Leaders Guide

Word of the Year | Holy Zeal

ROMANS 12:9-18 CSB 9  Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.  10  Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.  11  Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord.  12  Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.  13  Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.  14  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  15  Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.  16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.  17  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.  18  If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Planning & Mission Statements

Our Mission: Passionately Pursuing Jesus daily to reach one more.

Every plan begins with a mission statement, and our Mission Statements are made up of 4 elements:

A Purpose, a People, a Process, and a Product (or Result)

  • Our Purpose: Why are we doing this?

    • Mission: “Passionately pursuing Jesus daily to reach one more.”

    • At our core, Passion Church exists to glorify God by cultivating daily, Spirit-led intimacy with Jesus and extending that transformational relationship to the next person—“the one more.” This is our unwavering north star. It connects to our leadership standard of pursuing Jesus daily, our value of Presence, and our culture of Encounter. Every sermon, service, and strategy must align with this pursuit.

  • Our People: Who are we doing this for?

    • Vision + Culture:

      • “A church that shouts you belong here... changing the lives of those far from God… building community… raising passionate followers of Jesus.”

    • Our people include:

      • The lost, unchurched, hurting, and seeking

      • Emerging leaders and ministry dreamers who carry initiatives

      • The local community in Casa Grande and new territories like Prescott

      • Youth, families, new believers, and spiritual contributors—not just consumers

    • This aligns with our culture of celebration, generosity, authenticity, and honor—because our people matter deeply to God. It also reflects our DNA of Disciple Makers and Housing Initiatives by equipping people not just to attend, but to build and launch.

  • Our Process: How are we doing it?

    • Culture + Leadership Standards + DNA:

      • Through:

        • Spirit-led gatherings centered on worship, the Word, and altar ministry (Presence Driven)

        • Culture saturation through our 10 Culture Commandments

        • Discipleship, daily pursuit, and Sabbath rhythms (Leadership Standards)

        • Empowered teams operating in truth, excellence, and feedback

        • Empowering members to launch God-given initiatives (We House Initiatives)

        • Transitioning well with honor (Healthy Transitions)

    • This also includes operational excellence—right systems, consistent leadership development, and constant alignment with the Holy Spirit.

  • Our Product (or Result): What are we building as a result?

    • Vision + Strategy Outcomes:

      • Transformed lives that carry Jesus daily into families, workplaces, and cities

      • Healthy, culture-aligned campuses (like Passion Prescott) that take territory for the Kingdom

      • Disciples who make disciples

      • A family of spiritual leaders grounded in unity, tithing, forgiveness, and generosity

      • A multiplying movement of churches who are Presence-Driven, not personality-driven

    • This product is spiritual legacy. It’s what the Church Multiplication Network sees as scale-worthy. It’s also what stewardship looks like: not just buildings or budgets—but people becoming the full expression of Jesus in the world.

System / Strategies

The system refers to the process of development of each individual within our mission.

  • It answers the question: What we do?

The strategy serves the mission and works within the system.

  • Answers the question: How will we succeed?

System

  • Know God

  • Break the Cycle

  • Discover their Purpose

  • Make a Difference

Strategy

  • Sunday Service

  • Life Groups

  • Passion Connect

  • Passion Dream Team

Our Vision

  • I see a Church that shouts you belong here.

  • I see a Church that is effectively changing the lives of those far from God.

  • I see a Church raising up passionate followers of Jesus.

  • I see a Church building community and relationships.

  • I see a Church not afraid to step out in complete faith, taking over territories for the Kingdom of God.

Our Culture

  • Our Culture Commands

  • Our Leadership Standards

  • Our DNA

Our Beliefs

  • What we believe, and why

Standards

Standards are specific values played out in how we do ministry. These stem from strong expectations to keep our culture in sync. This will create alignment between the team's beliefs and behavior.

Because You love God…

  • Pray First

  • Passion

  • Talk with people, not about them

  • Lead from the front

Because You Pursue Excellence…

  • Start and end on time

  • Architect your atmosphere

  • Create distraction-free environments

  • Come prepared

Because You love People…

  • Be a servant Don’t point; walk with

  • Keep your hands free

  • Walk slowly and see people

  • Create memorable moments

Because You Choose Joy…

  • Make it fun

  • See the positive

  • Assume the best

  • Fight for the family

  • Smile while you serve

Sounds & Prayers

Every culture, organization, and family has its own language or dialect.

Our Sounds

Sounds are the “inside language” of our church.

  • "Clarify & Verify" Leave no room for assumption.

  • "Sit One, Serve One": Remember that we want Passion Church to be a place where you can both serve and be fed. Make it a priority to attend services regularly in addition to serving, so that you can continue to grow and be inspired.

  • "Before you hit the piñata." Think things through before you act.

  • "1.5x speed" We're going to do this faster than normal, but not so fast that communication breaks down.

  • "We don't have a task to do but a team to build." The win is not getting things done but rather building teams that get things done. Anything can be handed off if handed off well.

  • "Leaders made here!" We are intentional about growing the Dream Teamers into leaders.

  • "You're important but not that important" We value you and ministry keeps going.

  • "Don't fall in love with your seat on the bus." Be flexible. Your purpose (the bus) is bigger than your position and title (the seat).

  • "Be a shepherd, not a cowboy." Shepherds "lead their flock." They inspire from the front with the "WHY" and yearn to take the flock to the open grass where they can thrive (they serve their flock). Cowboys "drive their cattle". They prod from behind using fear and force to push the cattle to slaughter (so they can serve their leaders).

  • "Fall forward." Learn from your mistakes. Failing is unavoidable; learning is optional.

  • "Is it a sin or is it a preference?" We will be united in our decisions, not our preferences.

  • "Think lids, not ceilings." We understand that every problem has a solution, and if we think it doesn't (that we hit the ceiling)-then we are the problem and we must raise the "lid" (we must grow; or go, and make space for someone who can).

  • "We don't practice on people." Because we pursue excellence we practice, rehearse, plan ahead, troubleshoot, and prepare before serving our guests.

  • "Who is your plus one? (+1)" Who are you developing?

  • "My privilege" When someone says thank you, rather than responding with "You're welcome" we reply with "My privilege" as a reminder of the opportunity we have to serve others and maintain a humble heart.

  • "Clear is kind." Often times we avoid clear and direct communication because we think it is kinder to ourselves and others to "soften the blow." But in reality, we are being unkind, unfair and often manipulative. Clarity in leadership is an integral piece to building healthy teams and fulfilling our mission.

Our Prayers

  • Opening Prayer - “Holy Spirit, Speak to me I’m listening.”

  • Pastors Prayer over us - “Father, teach us your ways and let us forsake ours, we release everything to you right now for your glory. We exchange pride and a self-seeking attitude for one that is humble to receive your word. We operate in Kingdom Pursuit through a Daily Pursuit, for we know in your presence everything changes. Give us ears to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say and may our cry be forever, SPEAK LORD, I TRUST YOU, WHATEVER YOU SAY I WILL DO!”

  • Our Benediction - “We are here to serve you, Jesus, fill us with your Spirit and set our hearts on fire with Holy Zeal.”

Leader Guide

Dream Team Organizational Chart

Identifying leaders is essential to having alignment within our organization. In an effort to increase our impact, leaders are the most valuable resource we have. Jesus said, "Make disciples". Our way of saying that at Passion Church is, "Leaders made here!" Therefore our first step, and one of our most important responsibilities is identifying those future leaders by defining the qualifications needed to be a leader.

Answers the question: How do we identify leaders?

| Luke 12:48 (NLT) "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required."

These are the non-negotiable criteria necessary to distinguish people for leadership:

Jesus Centered

  • Leaders keep Jesus as their focus, not drama or trivial issues. They center on Jesus as savior, and worship passionately; Jesus as sanctifier, and develop a discipline of exposure to God's word & prayer; Jesus as soon returning King, and serve & evangelize.

Teachable

  • Leaders are not easily offended. They don't get defensive, because they want to grow and understand that the person bringing instruction or correction wants them to grow too. Leaders don't "know it all", and choose to wake up every morning as "beginners". They proactively seek out feedback by asking questions and listening, because as long as leaders stay humble, they stay learning. They know that instant feedback saves time, is more accurate, and means not having to guess what the other person is thinking. Instant feedback also presumes that the communication will not be polished or filtered.

Extreme Owners

Leaders handle people and projects with care because they see them as our own: they own the responsibility. Leaders also own the results; there's no one else to blame. They don't make excuses. They acknowledge their mistakes and in doing so discover opportunities for growth. Leaders believe there are no bad teams, only bad leaders.

Honor Up, Down and All Around

  • We honor the leaders above us because of the authority God has given them. We honor the leaders who work alongside us because of the responsibility God has given them. And we honor the people we lead because God has given them to us. Leaders honor in the thoughts we have about others, the words we speak to & about others, and the deeds we do for others.

Heart for the House

  • Leaders must have a "heart for the house", demonstrated by fully embracing, communicating, and living out our vision and values. They LOVE Passion Church and consider it a privilege to invest in the house (time, treasure, and talent), and to share what God's doing through it with their friends and family.

Enthusiastic

  • Leaders display a contagious enthusiasm that motivates others. They're always filled with great energy and optimism. They smile and laugh a lot.

  • When they walk into a low-energy or discouraged room they don't reflect that atmosphere, they change it. They lead from their heart with passion because they know what they do makes a difference.

C.A.R.E

(Communication, Accountability, Relationship, Encouragement)

Effective leadership in a church context requires a commitment to providing care to those you lead. It means demonstrating the love of Christ through how you communicate, support, and encourage those under your guidance. The C.A.R.E. model provides a framework for doing just that.

Communication

  • As church leaders, we must be intentional about creating an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged. We must listen actively and show empathy to those we lead. By doing so, we create a safe space for people to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

Accountability

  • Accountability is an essential aspect of effective leadership. It means setting clear expectations and holding people accountable for their goals and tasks. It also means providing feedback and coaching to help people grow in their roles and become the best version of themselves.

Relationship

  • Building relationships is at the heart of church leadership. It means getting to know those you lead on a personal level, investing in their lives, and demonstrating care and concern. As church leaders, we are called to shepherd the flock entrusted to us, and building relationships is an essential part of that calling.

Encouragement

  • As church leaders, we have a unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate the successes and milestones of those we lead. We can also provide support and encouragement when they face challenges. By doing so, we create an environment where people feel valued and supported, and we build a culture of care and encouragement.

  • By committing to the C.A.R.E. model of leadership, we can build healthy, thriving teams that are equipped to do the work of the Kingdom.

Leadership Layers

Leader Expectations and Responsibilities

We lead more effectively when we know what is expected of us. Clarifying expectations reduces stress, brings focus to action, and makes teams more productive.

All Leaders

Healthy Leader = Healthy Church

There are certain relationships we want leaders to intentionally develop and thrive in.

First and foremost, we expect leaders to take care of themselves spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

| Let's not "...gain the world, and lose our soul" (Matt. 16:26).

We expect leaders to develop healthy relationships with Christ, their family, the church, and their world. The chart below highlights indicators of healthy, thriving relationships.

Relationship With Christ

  • Practice having a sabbath, and keep it holy.

  • Daily encounter time in the Word, in prayer and in Hi .

  • Sharing with others what God is speaking to you.

Relationship With Family

  • Praying as a family and spend quality time together.

  • Honoring your family by meeting their needs.

  • Leading your family in meeting their needs.

Relationship With Church

  • Gather: Being present on Sundays, church events, and leader events.

  • Give: Tithing and serving on a team.

  • Groups: Lead or participate regularly in a Small Group.

Relationship With The World

  • Making a positive impact in people's lives.

  • Always inviting people to church.

  • Representing the church well in your circles and on social media.

Lead Pastor

  • Who guides you? Overseers

  • What's your purpose? Cast Vision

  • Who do you C.A.R.E. for? Executive Directors/Campus Pastors

  • How often do you have 1-on-1s?

    • Weekly with Executive Directors/Campus Pastors

  • What's your function?

    • Set direction and tone for the church

    • Ensure priorities and goals align with God's vision

    • Collaborate with Executive Directors to establish and refine the church's vision and mission

  • On the weekend, what's your responsibility?

    • Deliver the weekly message during services

    • Connect with guests

Executive Director/Campus Pastor

  • Who guides you? Lead Pastor

  • What's your purpose? Carry the vision

  • Who do you C.A.R.E. for? Directors

  • How often do you have 1-on-1s? 

    • Weekly with Lead Pastor

    • Weekly with Directors

  • What's your function?

    • Develop and implement plans for achieving vision

    • Cast vision and provide guidance to directors

    • Collaborate with Lead Pastor to bring new vision and strategy

  • On the weekend, what's your responsibility?

    • Connect with guests.

    • Step in for directors if needed.

    • Ensure campus events run smoothly

Central Director

  • Who guides you? Executive Director/Campus Pastor

  • What's your purpose? Develop the strategy

  • Who do you C.A.R.E. for? Campus Directors

  • How often do you have 1-on-1s? 

    • Weekly with Executive Director/Campus Pastor

    • As needed with Campus Directors

    • Bi-weekly with coordinators

  • What's your function?

    • Guide and resource (order supplies, create curriculum, etc) Campus Directors

    • Develop and communicate systems and strategies

    • Provide feedback to Executive Director on effectiveness of strategies

  • On the weekend, what's your responsibility?

    • Observe campuses when possible

    • Connect with guests

    • Provide support for Campus Directors

Campus Director

  • Who guides you? Campus Pastor

  • What's your purpose? Develop Leaders

  • Who do you C.A.R.E. for? Coordinators

  • How often do you have 1-on-1s? 

    • Bi-Weekly with Campus Pastor

    • As needed with Campus Directors

    • Bi-weekly with Coordinators

  • What's your function?

    • Identify and develop new leaders within department

    • Ensure effective plan execution

    • Provide feedback to Central Director on development of leaders

  • On the weekend, what's your responsibility?

    • Observe and inspect teams

    • Connect with guests

    • Start the onboarding process for new Dream Teamers (see onboarding guide)

Coordinator

  • Who guides you? Campus Director

  • What's your purpose? Create the plan

  • Who do you C.A.R.E. for? Team Leaders

  • How often do you have 1-on-1s? 

    • Bi-weekly with directors

    • Bi-weekly with team leaders

  • What's your function?

    • Develop clear and actionable plans to achieve objectives

    • Coordinate team schedules

    • Communicate ideas and feedback on improving plans and execution.

  • On the weekend, what's your responsibility?

    • Evaluate systems and strategies

    • Evaluate the team

    • Onboard new team members

Team Leader

  • Who guides you? Coordinator

  • What's your purpose? Communicate the plan

  • Who do you C.A.R.E. for? Dream Teamers

  • How often do you have 1-on-1s?

    • Bi-Weekly with coordinators

    • Monthly touch points with Dream Teamers

  • What's your function?

    • Implement plans and strategies within the team

    • Develop team members and provide support and resources

    • Provide feedback to the Coordinator on effectiveness of plans

  • On the weekend, what's your responsibility?

    • Lead team huddles

    • Ensure training of new team members

    • Assign positions and ensure proper coverage

Dream Teamer

  • Who guides you? Team Leader

  • What's your purpose? Execute the plan

  • What's your function?

    • Provide feedback to the Team Leader on improving plan execution

    • Work with the Team Leader to carry out plans within the team

    • Contribute to the development of the team and the achievement of its goals

  • On the weekend, what's your responsibility?

    • Complete assigned tasks on the team

    • Collaborate with teammates to achieve goals

    • Represent the church and team positively to guests

Leading Effective Huddles

In a huddle, team members circle up together, not for conversation, but as an opportunity for the leader to clarify expectations, create unity, cast vision, and pray.

  1. Pray First

    1. Pray for our Pastors, teams, and guests coming
      *Personal prayer requests are reserved for another time.

  2. The Why

    1. Why do we do what we do?

    2. Mission: We exist to make Jesus accessible to anyone.

  3. Core Value or Standard

    1. Each week in your huddle highlight one core value or standard
      Love God, Love People, Choose Joy, Pursue Excellence

  4. Updates

    1. What are you working on as a team today?

    2. Are there any changes or updates you need to communicate?

  5. Honor/Encourage

    1. Take a minute to highlight or honor a person or people on your team.

    2. Give one last word of encouragement and send everyone out with passion

Tips:

  • Arrive early

  • Designate and communicate a location ahead of time

  • Start and end on time

  • Be passionate

Effective 1-on-1

Leader's Responsibilities:

  • Encourage direct report to lead the meeting with a prepared agenda

  • Schedule consistent meetings for progress tracking

  • Provide feedback and coaching as needed

  • Take notes and follow up on action items

Direct Report's Responsibilities:

  • Take the lead in preparing the agenda and guide the discussion

  • Provide updates, feedback, and take ownership of action items

Agenda Example:

  1. Pray First

  2. Celebrate Wins: Share any successes or milestones achieved since the last meeting

  3. Address Roadblocks: Identify any challenges, barriers or roadblocks, and discuss strategies to overcome them

  4. Discuss Future Goals: Share any upcoming plans or initiatives and brainstorm ways to achieve them

  5. Give and Receive Feedback: Share and discuss constructive feedback to enhance growth and development.

  6. Follow Up: Review action items and commitments made during the meeting and set a timeline for follow-up and progress updates.

Passion Platform Honor Code

Because leadership is a highly influential piece of the spiritual formation of our church, we are held to a higher standard of wholeness and spiritual health.

Since we are given the responsibility to lead others, we have the same weight and the responsibility to lead ourselves well. Every position of platform at Passion is handled with reverence toward the weight of our spiritual, physical, and emotional health.

I will be fully committed to the following:

  1. My Spiritual Walk
    I am committed to growing daily with the Lord by living a life of prayer, reading the word, and regularly seeking community and accountability. I will make this my first priority. On the platform, I will never pour out from a cup that is empty.

  2. Punctuality
    I will make sure to plan and prepare to arrive to call times 10 mins early. Being on time communicates that I am committed to this team and that I value everyone else’s time.

  3. Communication
    I understand this team is an active team that involves my best communication, reception, and feedback with those that I serve with and those that are leading me. If I am running late for a service, I will communicate to my leader as soon as possible.
    I commit to replying to personal messages from my leader within 48 hours. I also commit to staying updated with the most recent announcements and updates from the team.

  4. Life Groups
    I will attend or lead a small group during the fall and spring small group semesters. I understand that we are not just a church with small groups but OF small groups. Small groups help my spiritual walk.

  5. Sexual Misconduct
    I am committed to live above reproach and to withstand from sexual sin. If I am struggling in any area, I will communicate to my leader and be transparent. I understand that we all fall short and that my leaders are here to help me and not judge. Sexual misconduct includes: Sexual intercourse outside of marriage, Sexual messages through text, DM’s, social media, dating apps, ect.

  6. Gossip
    Gossip is repeating information that should not be repeated, even if it is true. Often, the person who repeats gossip that turns out to be true does it before the truth is substantiated or permission is given to share. What makes news gossip, even if true, is its repetition by or to someone who does not need to know. Gossip might be shared information that was gained in confidence, but it might be information that one has simply “heard” or “overheard.”

    I will refrain from participation in gossip, murmuring, and complaining about church leaders and policies.

    I will address my concerns to the appropriate leaders in a civil and Christ-like manner.

    Don’t make a private disagreement public. No church gets 100% agreement on every decision. But once that decision has been made, we expect our leaders to get in step with it publicly. Constructive criticism and feedback is highly recommended by your leaders and should be made privately and to the appropriate personnel.

    I understand that the biblical model for confrontation is to directly confront your brother or sister (Matthew 18:15).

    I will not ask another team member to represent my opinions on my behalf. This includes disagreements, suggestions, complaints, or advice.

  7. Social Media:
    We expect our Platform Leaders to embody our church’s mission while online: To Make Jesus Accessible to Anyone.

    Think like Jesus. Our posts should be consistent with biblical truth. We must be clear that Jesus is the only path to salvation. We don’t tear down other Christians even when we disagree with them.

    Be like Jesus. These character traits should be evident in our every post: patience, joy, peace, love, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness, humility, and kindness. And yes, it’s more work to translate those qualities to social media.

    We expect our leaders’ behavior to be above reproach. If you’re doing something that looks questionable, don’t post it! Online, there is no context for the drink in your hand or the person you are photographed with. On social media, perception is reality; it matters how your post will be perceived.

    Be modest. If you are intending your post to show off your body outside of the context of an active recreational setting, you are probably better off not making the post. Even then, whether you're at the gym or the beach, celebrate your blessings modestly.

    The social media accounts of any platform or leadership personnel have the potential to directly negatively affect the public relation standings of Passion Church. Because of this, you agree that your leader reserves the right to request any media to be taken down if deemed inappropriate or offensive to the community that we serve.

    Be wise with your influence. God has placed you in a position of leadership because you have gifts and talents that make a difference. The world is aware of that and is watching you. Be smart about what you post.

  8. Honor God.
    When we live a life of integrity. patterned after the life of Christ, we honor God. As Christians, we are adopted as sons and daughters in God's House. As the Dream Team, we are appointed as leaders in God's House.
    1 Peter 2:12 (NIV) - "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

    Exemplifying the highest moral commitment, Passion's leaders are to maintain a disciplined life of Bible reading, prayer, and fasting. You must also refrain from such things as:
    • Excessive Profanity
    • Indulging in too much wine or other alcoholic beverages
    • Smoking or chewing tobacco
    • Dishonest gain
    • Illegal drugs
    • Pornography
    • All behaviors which might cause Christ to grieve and others to stumble

    By providing an example in speech and action, we encourage others to grow in Christ and become servants-leaders themselves. This is a way of life measured by the heart and commitment of each leader in the Passion Church family. We should regard it as an essential part of our development, not as an imposition or restriction.

  9. Honor His House.
    Honor the way God directs us to build His House. In 1 Timothy, Paul provides a description of the character that is to be exhibited in Church leaders. Not perfection - character. And he instructs us to give a "close examination" of people before we appoint them as leaders. Passion Church has implemented the Honor Code as a tool in building a healthy Church. Our conduct should never be an embarrassment to Christ, but should exemplify the best qualities of a mature believer and servant-leader.

    1. Receiving water baptism
      John 3:5 (NLT) - "Jesus replied, I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.'"

    2. Participating in communion
      1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV) - "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

    3. Supporting Biblical marriage
      Matthew 19:4-6 (NIV) - "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.

    4. Faithfully Tithe
      Matthew 6:21 (NLT) - "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

    5. Honor the leadership of the church.
      Hebrews 13:17 - "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy. not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

  10. Honor His people.
    To do this, we need to know who and where people are. Though each of us comes into God's House wounded, God irons out every blemish and wrinkle in order to present us to Himself holy and spotless.
    Romans 14:19 (PH) - "So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.
    As Christians, the way we present ourselves to others is of vital importance to the way others perceive Christ. Our conduct should never be an embarrassment to Christ, but should exemplify the best qualities of a mature believer and servant-leader.