Tag: Charles Stone

How to recognize if one of your leaders has narcissistic tendencies

Periodically take a solo retreat. Occasionally I’ve taken a night and a day at a local retreat center. I’m usually the only one there. When I go, I think, pray, plan, write, and study. Those periodic getaways refresh my soul and help break me from the rigors of ministry, resetting my focus to respond appropriately to the stresses ministry brings.

Simply knowing what you’re up against and paying attention to these multigenerational dynamics can give you a head start in dealing with the patterns.

Silence and solitude can free us from the tyranny we can hold over others with our words. When we are silent and yield to the advice in James, it becomes more difficult to manipulate and control the people and circumstances around us.

Some pastor’s wives simply give up when they can’t meet other’s expectations. They withdraw and become sullen. Others yield to despair, helplessness, and hopelessness.

Teaching 75 pastor-leaders in Cuba stirred something new in my heart.

I can’t ignore the tasks that ministry requires, but when I am in task mode I must keep my spiritual “peripheral vision” active, looking for those “God moments” with the Sabrias of the world.

Healthy boundaries make for healthy souls. Unhealthy boundaries make for unhealthy souls.