Confidence Comes After the Action

Let’s settle something upfront:

Lack of confidence isn’t a character flaw.

It’s just a symptom of inaction.

And that’s a big deal for those of us in ministry.

A lack of confidence keeps preachers second-guessing their calling, church planters stuck at “maybe someday,” and leaders over-preparing instead of stepping out. It’s a quiet thief. It doesn’t shout… it just steals momentum, slowly.

Here’s what no one tells you:
You don’t get confident by thinking harder. You get confident by doing the thing (badly at first) until it’s no longer scary.

The Lie: “I’ll Lead Boldly When I Feel Ready”

Ministers say this in all sorts of ways:

• “Once I get the right people in place…”
• “If we had more money, I’d try that outreach idea.”
• “I just don’t feel qualified to disciple someone one-on-one yet.”

Here’s the truth:
Confidence doesn’t come from having the perfect conditions. It comes from building evidence… stacking up small wins that prove to your heart, “God can work through me.”

Like Alex Hormozi says, “If you lack confidence, build evidence.”

The Ministry Myth: “I Don’t Want to Mess This Up”

Let’s be honest. That’s code for: “I don’t want to be seen failing.”

I’ve felt that. You have too.
But confidence doesn’t mean you believe you’ll succeed… it means you’re okay learning out loud. It means you’ve made peace with the reality that failure isn’t fatal, it’s formation.

We preach that all the time.
Now it’s time to live it.

A Quick Story: When Confidence Found Me at the Bottom

I remember a time early in church planting when I felt totally out of my depth. We were under-resourced, overcommitted, and in a rental building that had a dance studio next door that loved to practice on Sundays. One Sunday, it was nearly impossible to get through my message with the constant thud of their subwoofer.

I didn’t feel like a confident pastor… I felt like a kid with a borrowed mic.

But I preached anyway.
I greeted guests. I followed up. I cast vision.

You know what changed? Not the building.
Me.

Confidence crept in—not because things got easier, but because I kept going anyway.

Leaders Who Wait… Get Left Behind

I’ve worked with dozens of pastors and planters who have everything they need… except movement.

They’re waiting for:

• A clear sign.
• A stable season.
• The right leaders and volunteers.
• A moment where fear disappears.

But faith isn’t about waiting until you feel brave.
It’s about moving when you know the direction. Regardless of the emotion.

Jesus didn’t tell Peter, “Wait until you’re sure.” He said, “Come.”

The Best Confidence Hack I Know

Want to build real confidence in your ministry?

Start doing hard things every day… even small ones.

• Invite someone over for dinner and a Bible study, even if you feel awkward.
• Share your sermon prep process with a young minister, even if it’s messy.
• Launch that midweek small group before you have 20 people signed up.

When you face rejection, awkwardness, and failure, and keep going, you become someone who can be trusted with the work of the kingdom.

That’s the kind of leader people follow. That’s the kind of disciple who multiplies.

Bottom Line

Confidence isn’t a feeling.
It’s not a personality trait.
It’s not something others hand you.

Confidence is fruit. And fruit grows when the roots go deep into daily obedience.

Stop waiting for clarity or perfection. Just move.

• Preach even when the message feels unfinished.
• Start even when you feel under-qualified.
• Lead even when your hands are shaking.

The action comes first. The confidence comes later. Always.

What’s one thing you’ve avoided doing because you didn’t feel confident enough?

Let me know in the comments. I read every one.

And if this post helped, consider sharing it with another leader who needs to stop waiting and start moving.