Aug 17, 2017 | Burnout, Calling, Criticism, Depression, Difficult people, discouragement, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, 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...
Aug 10, 2017 | Burnout, Calling, Fatigue, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Spirituality
Working from the home office today and listening to the rhythmic beat of rain landing on the roof. Why do I love that mesmerizing sound so much? Why is it so soothing? The steady pounding of rain takes me back to fond memories of vacations with Laura and the boys....
Aug 3, 2017 | Calling, Career, Growth, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Productivity, Uncategorized, Work
Ever notice how much work you get done right before you go on vacation? Your energy level surges, your focus sharpens, and your productivity soars. Things get done. Why? In large part because you’re motivated by a deadline. David Burnett, writing for The...
Jul 27, 2017 | Calling, Family, Fatigue, Leadership, physical health, Rest, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
“Reflection turns experience into insight.” ~ John Maxwell We (Laura, Chad and I) recently returned from a week of vacation in northern Michigan. The multi-shaded blue waters of the Great Lakes, the beautiful rivers, the feel of sand between my toes, fantastic...
Jun 1, 2017 | Calling, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Uncategorized
This past Sunday was my last as campus pastor at our church’s Washington Township location. In last week’s blog I identified six surprising things I’ve learned as a campus pastor: Pastoral ministry possesses an invisible pull to the micro (tactical) at the expense of...
May 25, 2017 | Calling, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Uncategorized
This coming Sunday is my last as campus pastor at our church’s Washington Township location. I’ve served in that role part time since July 2016, and the campus has grown to the point where it needs full-time attention. Since our primary calling is Converge Coaching,...