May 21, 2020 | Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, Emotional Health, Leadership, Loneliness, Pastor, Suicide, Uncategorized
We’ve lost another one. Another husband, father, and leader . . . gone. Another person whose life ended prematurely. Another encourager of pastors whose helpful voice was silenced. Megachurch pastor Darrin Patrick died on May 7th, at age 49. Patrick was a teaching...
May 14, 2020 | Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, discouragement, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Fear, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Peace, Stress
In today’s post, an encouraging word from Jaime Hlavin. Enjoy ~ John Last week, the state of Michigan’s executive order to stay at home during the COVID-19 crisis was extended until the end of May. While some restrictions were lifted and it seems like maybe...
May 7, 2020 | Anxiety, Burnout, Depression, Emotional Health, Gratefulness
Gratitude is a choice. A powerful choice. Especially in difficult seasons of life. Problem is, gratitude is an unnatural response for most of us humanoids. Even in normal times (are there such times?) being grateful doesn’t come automatically for the majority of...
Apr 16, 2020 | Calling, Career, Emotional Health, Fear, Leadership, Pastor, Productivity, Uncategorized, Work
Today, a practical post from our teammate, Jaime Hlavin. Enjoy ~ John So much has changed over the past month that I think it’s safe to say the world in which we live right now barely resembles anything we are accustomed to. And I realize this post may not apply...
Mar 12, 2020 | Emotional Health, friendship, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Relationships
“You can never have any close friends in the church you lead!” Such was the declaration I heard as a young pastor from many seasoned pastors. I was a greenhorn, and didn’t have enough confidence to push back on their strong position. Coming out of college, where...
Mar 5, 2020 | Burnout, Depression, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Finishing Well, Leadership, Margin, Ministry Leader, Pastor, Stress, Uncategorized, Work, Workaholism
“Margin is the space between our load and our limits.” ~ Richard Swenson The white space in our calendar (or a lack thereof) is a pretty accurate predictor of the amount of emotional fuel we have in our tank. If our schedule contains long stretches with...
