Oct 8, 2020 | Anger, Depression, Disappointment, discouragement, Grief, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, People Leaving, Uncategorized
“We’re grieving the loss of what was, Pre-COVID.” “We had so much momentum in March, and then . . .” “People have disappeared and we don’t know where they are.” These statements from pastors reveal a common thread: Leaders are grieving the loss of what was before the...
Aug 20, 2020 | Anxiety, Burnout, Calling, Career, Depression, discouragement, Emotional Health, Exhaustion, Fatigue, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Stress, Uncategorized, Work
When I ask leaders about their day off, I’m often greeted with a blank stare followed by uncomfortable mumbling. Some report they haven’t taken a day off in years. And even worse, a few of them are proud of it. They wear busyness as a badge of honor. Many contributors...
Aug 13, 2020 | Alignment, Anxiety, Assignment, Burnout, Calling, Depression, discouragement, Emotional Health, Exhaustion, Fatigue, Finishing Well, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Quitting, Stress, Uncategorized
In the book of Revelation, chapter 2, Jesus makes an impassioned plea to the church of Thyatira: “Hold on to what you have until I come.” “Hold on.” Jesus was speaking about finishing. As the stress and strain of COVID-19 lingers on, and the...
Jul 30, 2020 | Burnout, Depression, Fatigue, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Rest, Uncategorized, Work
“Reflection turns experience into insight.” ~ John Maxwell Today is my first day back in the office after a week of much-needed time off. The multi-shaded blue waters of the Great Lakes, the beautiful forests, great food, and time detached from the work we love made...
Jul 2, 2020 | Burnout, Calling, Career, Depression, discouragement, Emotional Health, Exhaustion, Fatigue, Leadership, Loneliness, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Quitting, Stress, Uncategorized
After 3+ months of crisis after crisis, leaders feel frazzled and exhausted. Some leaders are so tired that they want to stop leading and start selling ice cream. More than a few strong leaders who lead thriving organizations are seriously considering leaving...
May 28, 2020 | Abuse, Anger, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Burnout, Depression, Emotional Health, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Relationships, Suicide, Uncategorized
In last week’s post we talked about the sudden passing of pastor Darrin Patrick, and used it as a launching point for a discussion regarding the problem of suicide in the United States. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in...