Let It Go: Differentiated From Outcome
- Matthew Bohling
- Oct 11
- 2 min read
Healthy church leadership requires a fundamental understanding of boundaries—not just with people, but with outcomes. In the latest episode of the Church Renewal Podcast, Matt and Jeremy delve into a critical but often overlooked aspect of leadership: differentiation from outcome.
Differentiation is typically discussed in terms of relationships with others—maintaining healthy boundaries and not allowing your identity to be fused with what others think of you. However, Matt introduces a powerful expansion of this concept: differentiation from outcome. This means separating your sense of self-worth and identity from the results of your leadership efforts.
The conversation begins with a compelling analogy of a coach who must push players appropriately, watch from the sidelines without direct intervention, and then stand at the post-game press conference taking responsibility for the outcome—win or lose—without letting it define their worth. This perfectly illustrates the challenge church leaders face: how to lead intentionally while releasing control of results.
According to Matt, roughly 75% of pastors are externally driven, oriented toward people-pleasing. Their sense of self-worth comes from others' approval. The remaining 25% are more goal-oriented, deriving their sense of value from achieving specific outcomes. Both types share the same fundamental problem: their identity is fused with something outside themselves that they cannot ultimately control.
The conversation highlights Satan's strategy of using this fusion to attack leaders. When outcomes don't meet expectations, the enemy whispers, "You've failed, God will reject you," pulling leaders away from the truth that God's acceptance is not performance-based. This attack leads to either unhealthy control or bitter disappointment with God.
The parable of the talents emerges as a powerful biblical illustration. The servant who buried his talent did so out of fear—fear that he couldn't produce the outcome his master wanted. His lack of trust led to inaction. Similarly, church leaders who cannot differentiate from outcomes either attempt to control everything (a form of idolatry) or become bitter when God's plan differs from their expectations.
One of the most profound insights shared is that God's plan doesn't require our approval. When we judge God's outcomes as insufficient, we're engaging in idolatry, essentially saying, "I can do better." This mindset inevitably leads to disappointment, bitterness, and cynicism.
The episode introduces the concept of "intentional faithfulness" as the biblical alternative to outcome-based leadership. Leaders are called to be intentionally faithful with what they've been given—nothing more, nothing less. Jesus demonstrated this in Gethsemane, submitting to the Father's will rather than insisting on his own. Mary showed it when she said, "Let it be to me according to your word." Paul embodied it when he continued to Jerusalem despite warnings of persecution.
Ultimately, differentiation from outcome allows leaders to lead freely, to hold decisions open-handedly, and to trust the Holy Spirit with results. It enables them to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that it is God who works in them both to will and to do according to His good pleasure.
For church leaders struggling with anxiety, control issues, or disappointment, this understanding offers a liberating path forward. By separating identity from outcomes and embracing intentional faithfulness, leaders can experience the freedom Christ intends for His under-shepherds.
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