May 24, 2019 | Calling, Career, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor
One of the biggest mistakes I made as a young lead pastor was spending too much time trying to get uncommitted people to be committed. I would do breakfasts, lunches, and coffees trying to convince the unfaithful fringe to become faithful. And in doing so, I largely...
May 16, 2019 | Assignment, Calling, Career, discouragement, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor
Discouragement is universal to leadership. Every leader, no matter how seasoned or successful, faces moments of despair. “Can I get through this challenge?” “When is this tough stretch going to be over?” “Am I the right guy/gal for the job?” These kinds of questions...
May 9, 2019 | Assignment, Calling, Career, Change, Leadership, Pastor, Quitting
“John, I can’t take the pressure anymore . . . I’m thinking about resigning.” You’d be surprised how often those words or some variation of them travel across the cellular airwaves to me each month. Lead pastors who feel desperate, tired, emotionally beat up, out of...
May 2, 2019 | Anxiety, Burnout, Calling, Career, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Leadership, Mentors, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Stress, Uncategorized, Work, Workaholism
What drives you? Passion? Or adrenaline? Passion is an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. Adrenaline is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, especially in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and preparing muscles for...
Apr 25, 2019 | Anxiety, Burnout, Calling, Depression, discouragement, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Stress, 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. A whopping 66% say they have no deep friendships. 40% are not energized by ministry work....
Apr 18, 2019 | Calling, Career, character, Growth, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Uncategorized, Work
Are you teachable? Really? It’s critical for a leader to answer this question honestly, because the level of our teachability determines our level of lead-ability. When you’re experiencing momentum in ministry or business, it’s easy to start believing you are the...
