How misaligned hires—no matter how gifted—can quietly derail your team and ministry
During one of our recent Leadwell Cohorts, mentor Jeff Jones, Senior Pastor at Chase Oaks in Plano made the following statement which prompted me to dig a little deeper on the subject of hiring the right person for this and my next post coming in June.
“The biggest mistake I have made along the way in building a team is falling in love with talent and skill while overlooking alignment with our DNA.
It’s an easy trap. A gifted communicator walks in with charisma and a strong ministry resume, and everyone assumes they’re the answer to your prayers. But months later, things start to unravel—not because they weren’t capable, but because they weren’t a fit.
Talent Impresses, But DNA Endures
DNA is more than theology or denomination. It’s the culture, convictions, values, and tone of how ministry is done in a specific church. When someone’s instincts and behaviors don’t reflect that culture, even the most skilled hire can unintentionally create dissonance.
Misalignment often shows up in:
Decision-making styles that clash with team norms
Messages that subtly shift the tone of the church
A growing sense of “something’s off” that’s hard to name
Over time, that dissonance grows into tension, confusion, and turnover. Talent may deliver results in the short-term—but DNA determines long-term health.
Character First, Always
Before chemistry. Before competency. Before calling. Character is the foundation of a great hire.
Churches that hire for skill without discerning for spiritual maturity, emotional health, and humility often find themselves managing drama instead of leading ministry.
It’s character that enables leaders to:
Apologize quickly
Stay steady under pressure
Lead with integrity behind closed doors
The 5-Part Hiring Grid
Effective leadership teams evaluate candidates through this lens:
Character – Are they spiritually grounded and emotionally mature?
Chemistry – Will they thrive on this team, with these people?
Competency – Are they truly excellent at what they do?
Calling – Do they sense a deep alignment with this church?
Culture/DNA – Do they live and lead in alignment with our unique values?
The first three Cs are nothing new in terms of what most leadership literature lays out as fundamental but #4 and #5 are often assumned … and we know where that leads.
If any one of these five is missing—especially DNA—it’s a no.
Continued after the notes about some Leadwell opportunities.
There is no more important hire that your successor. The principles laid out in this post are priceless. My work with Pastor Smart Succession process helps to guide you and your leaders in navigating the succession zone. We’ll walk with you every step of the way, helping you design a tailored transition for your future.
If you’re beginning to explore what’s next, let’s connect! I’d love to learn more about your journey and discuss how we can support you. Email me at greg@ligongroup.com or schedule a call by selecting a time that works for you here.
My 2025 calendar is filling fast—let’s start the conversation!
Are you looking for a guide to help you see around the corner?
Consider applying to join a Leadwell Cohort.
The wisdom of seasoned mentors and expert insights like Jeff Jones in this post equip participants to tackle today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. In this collaborative community, leaders break through growth barriers and develop actionable strategies for accelerated results. And you don’t have to do it alone.
No accepting applications for fall cohorts:
Leadwell Senior Pastors: Next Gen - launches October 7
Leadwell Executive Pastors - launches October 21
Leadwell Senior Pastors: Finishing Well - launches October 28
Explore the cohort overviews here.
Note: Cohorts are application-based. If you're interested, reach out to me at greg@ligongroup.com or schedule a call by selecting a time that works for you here.
Final Thought: Alignment Outlasts Talent
The right hire doesn’t just fill a position—they embody your culture. They lead in ways that reinforce who you are and where you’re going. And that makes all the difference.
Don’t sacrifice long-term health for short-term skill. DNA always wins in the end.