Sounds shocking, right? But in John 6:66, when some disciples turned away because they couldn’t accept His teachings, Jesus let them go. He didn’t beg them to stay. He didn’t sugarcoat the truth. Instead, He spoke with clarity, integrity, and love—and let them walk away.

As a faith-driven leader, you will face difficult conversations, including writing someone up or even terminating their employment. Many Christian leaders struggle with this responsibility, fearing they will come across as unkind or un-Christlike. They hesitate, soften the message too much, or avoid the conversation altogether.

But the truth is, being a leader means being a good steward—not just of your organization, but also of the people entrusted to you. You can lead with faith AND accountability.

“Speak the truth in love, so we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

 – Ephesians 4:15

Many Christian leaders hesitate when it comes to delivering negative feedback or making hard decisions about an employee’s performance. They worry about appearing harsh, ungracious, or even judgmental. Some even believe that extending grace means avoiding confrontation altogether.

But avoiding difficult conversations leads to bigger problems:

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 27:5, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” In other words, true love and leadership require honesty. Avoiding necessary correction isn’t kindness—it’s neglect.

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“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” 

– Proverbs 27:5

Speak the Truth in Love

Ephesians 4:15 instructs us to “speak the truth in love.” This means being direct and honest while still being kind and respectful.

When delivering a difficult message, remember:

Here is a simple example: Instead of saying, “You never do your work right, and you need to make a change quick,” say, "I’ve noticed consistent errors in your reports. We need to address how the work produced can be more consistent and accurate for the success of the team."

Uphold Standards while Offering Grace

Grace does not mean ignoring poor performance or misconduct. It means giving people an opportunity to improve while holding them accountable. Offering grace is delivering the message with the intention of helping them to reach their full potential in their role.

Consider these approaches:

Example: Instead of saying, “You’re being let go because you’re just not good at this job,” say, "Unfortunately, your performance hasn’t met company expectations despite previous discussions. We believe this is the best decision for both you and the team."

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

 – Colossians 3:23

Difficult conversations require wisdom, discernment, and courage. Before addressing a difficult situation, pray for:

Faith-driven leadership isn’t about avoiding difficult situations—it’s about handling them with Christ-like integrity. By balancing truth and grace, you will lead well, honor God, and earn the respect of those you serve.

So, the next time you face a tough leadership moment, remember Jesus’ example—and step into it with confidence and faith.

Which leadership challenge has been hardest for you? 

Let me know in the comments!

Meet you in the clouds,

Cheryl (C-Dub)