The Performance Trap… Freedom From Unrealistic Expectations
“ For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. ” Galatians 1:10 HCSB I just read this verse again, and boy, is it humbling! Perhaps you can identify with this, but for most of my ministry, I carried a very quiet and relentless pressure… the feeling that I had to please everybody in the congregation! Of course, I would not have said that out loud for
6 days ago3 min read
A Hidden Weight: Stress in Ministry
“ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair .” 2 Corinthians 4:7–8 (ESV) Make no mistake about it... both pastors and ministry leaders carry a specific kind of weight, often unseen by the people under their care. There’s the weight of teaching and preaching God’s Word, shepherding those who hurt and need direction, managing t
Nov 33 min read
Balanced Leaders & Healthy Churches
Here is a revelation… a pastor’s health is never really private. The emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being of a leader inevitably shows and even flows into the life of the ministry they lead. But when a leader is rested, prayerful, and even grounded in Christ, there will be a ripple of peace throughout the entire organization. But when a leader is exhausted, overwhelmed, or unbalanced, the strain is felt by everyone around them. Here is what we need to acknowle
Oct 284 min read
5 Principles to Help Pastors & Ministry Leaders Rebuild Work-Life Balance
Like so many other ministers, there were several seasons during my ministry when life felt out of balance. There was always another meeting to attend, another counseling session referee, and another fire I had to put out. And before I knew it, rest eluded me, relationships were stressed, and I constantly struggled to find contentment in life and ministry. But I did eventually come to learn this lesson: balance and renewal can be restored. I started to understand that God
Oct 214 min read
The Cost of an Unbalanced Life in Ministry
Finding a healthy work-life balance is difficult and one of the greatest challenges pastors and ministry leaders face today. The call to...
Oct 94 min read
5 Reasons Work-Life Balance Is Elusive for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Many pastors and ministry leaders I know believe the phrase “work-life balance” is an impossible dream. You see, the call to shepherd...
Sep 303 min read
3 Reasons Your Ministry Matters More Than You May Think
The late nights can be brutal; there seems to be no shortage of meetings, you wonder if anyone hears a word of the sermon, and carrying...
Sep 233 min read
