It's okay for a leader overwhelmed to take a break to clear your head. It could be an afternoon, a day, or a week, but sometimes you just need to get away from the situation long enough to gain a fresh perspective.
Any gifted communicator can tell you what you should be doing. A great pastor journeys alongside you as you seek to do it together, exhibiting great pastor leadership.
Periodically take a solo retreat to refresh your tired soul. Occasionally Ive taken a night and a day at a local retreat center. Im 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.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized the profound impact of mentorship. Classroom learning wasn't enough; I was a rebel, determined to forge my own path. Looking back, I acknowledge my own leadership mistakes and the unique approach I took.
I greatly respect president of Southern Seminary, Al Mohler, but disagree with him on this biblical issue. As a conservative evangelical Christian, I understand the fears and concerns the Southern Baptist Convention has regarding the ordination of women in ministry roles.
Storms are almost always temporary. Sure, they can be intense. The winds can be tornadic, but even the most violent storm passes. And, no storm is ever outside the control of the Creator who loves you. Hold on to that truth today.
When I was a new church planter, we ran from anyone who had any church affiliation. They werent our target. We didnt want to offend other churches. In doing so, we robbed ourselves of potential leaders and kept some people from following the ministry God had laid on their heart. Gaining valuable church planter insights can prevent these pitfalls.
Your love for God, worship, and consistent prayer life are your best investment for the spiritual battles that may come your way as a spiritual battle leader.
There are two alarming data points in our studies. First, churches are rapidly abandoning evangelism. Second, church members are steadily denying the essentials of the Christian faith because they stopped believing religion teachings.
To follow Christ is to die to self. And when youre suffering mentally, dying to self looks like choosing to live, which is ironic, but there it is. Its choosing to embrace life and not to despair, especially when loving by living with anxiety.
