How to Protect Your Soul in Ministry: 6 Essential Strategies for Leaders
By Kevin Harney
Years ago, in the span of less than a month, I watched three church leaders I respected blow up their ministry, family and much of their life. If I had ever wondered about the critical importance of leaders tending to their souls, that brutal four-week period firmly convinced me.
All three of these leaders were gifted and had led successful ministries. Each had seen significant growth and kingdom fruit in the lives of the believers they influenced. And all three of these pastors—before their fall—were leading ministries with significant and encouraging evangelistic growth.
They were doing so well in ministry that they became a target for the one who lives to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Their ministry leader health was at risk.
I want to underscore that these pastors were not obvious candidates for a fall. In fact, I am convinced that one of the reasons they came under attack is that they were bearing eternal fruit.
After almost four decades of ministry experience and coaching leaders around the U.S. and world, I have grown convinced that Satan spends a lot more time attacking effective evangelistic leaders than those who spend most of their time tending to sheep who are already following Jesus.
6 Ways to Fortify Your Ministry Leadership Health
What follows are some essential ways you can strengthen your life and care for your soul. As you do these things, you will be more and more prepared for the ever-present attacks of the enemy.
1. Build a Powerful Prayer Team.
We all believe in the power of prayer. But a leader who consistently equips others to share their faith will need a strong prayer team interceding for them. If you make evangelism central to their life and ministry, you will need prayer coverage at an ever-increasing level.
If you plan to focus on reaching the lost and joining Jesus on his mission, you need to build a prayer team. Give them an update every month or two and send prayer needs at the critical moments when you are moving out with the gospel. You are not strong enough to beat the enemy in your own power. But the body of Christ and their prayers will unleash heavenly power and give what you need.
