Mar 29, 2018 | Burnout, Depression, Emotional Health, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Uncategorized
“My life is over!” It was a bone-chilling night in November 1992. Weeks of little-to-no sleep combined with a lack of appetite due to excessive anxiety finally came to a head. My emotions were spinning out of control, I was suicidal, and contemplating the least...
Mar 22, 2018 | Calling, Career, Disappointment, discouragement, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Uncategorized
What do you do when ministry doesn’t work out the way you envisioned? When your expectations are swallowed up by disappointment? How do you react when you feel more like a firefighter (or a babysitter) than a leader? Have you ever thought to yourself: “I didn’t sign...
Mar 8, 2018 | Calling, Career, friendship, Growth, Leadership, Mentors, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Relationships, Success, Uncategorized, Work
When you’re experiencing momentum in ministry or business, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you are the secret sauce to that success. It’s easy to get a big head when you’re on a roll. It’s tempting to quit listening to outside voices because you either...
Feb 22, 2018 | Burnout, Calling, Career, Emotional Health, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Rest, Stress, Trust, Uncategorized, Workaholism
I am fed up. According to an extensive Barna research study of 14,000 U.S. lead pastors, published in January 2017, 37% of lead pastors are at medium to high risk of burnout. 43% are at medium to high relational risk with their spouses. A whopping 66% say they have...
Feb 15, 2018 | Calling, Career, Emotional Health, Fear, friendship, Leadership, Loneliness, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Pastor's Spouse, Relationships, Uncategorized
Several months ago, Laura and I taught at a church in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. For those of you who are not Michiganders, our state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas are connected by the five-mile long Mackinac Bridge. If you don’t like bridges,...
