Aug 16, 2018 | Burnout, Calling, Career, Depression, discouragement, Doubt, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Quitting, Success, Uncategorized, Work
I love what I do for a living. Coming alongside leaders and helping them lead better, lead longer, and enjoy it more is deeply fulfilling. Some days I pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Getting to do what you love every day is a gift from God. But that...
Jun 28, 2018 | Anxiety, Burnout, Calling, Career, Depression, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Rest, Stress, Uncategorized, Workaholism
I have several friends who suffer with Arterial Fibrillation or A-fib. With A-fib, the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles). Another word used to describe A-fib is arrythmia. Arrhythmia is a problem with...
May 17, 2018 | Anger, Burnout, Depression, discouragement, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Pastor's Spouse, Rest, Stress, Uncategorized, Workaholism
“John I’m feeling depressed.” In my line of work, I often hear those words. Having experienced major depression two decades ago, when someone tells me they’re feeling depressed, I wonder: are they having a couple of bad days in a row—or are they dealing with...
Apr 26, 2018 | Burnout, Calling, Depression, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Leadership, Loneliness, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Rest, Stress, Uncategorized, Work, Workaholism
Emotions can be funny things. Some people let their emotions control them. Others refuse to acknowledge they even possess emotions. Some leaders, to their own peril, ignore the important role a full emotional tank plays in longevity. According to a Barna Study of...
Apr 5, 2018 | Burnout, Calling, Depression, Emotional Health, Fatigue, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Rest, Uncategorized, Workaholism
The rhythmic pounding of ocean waves might be one of the most relaxing sounds God ever created. A couple of weeks ago, Laura and I spent a week vacationing in sunny, warm Florida. (Michigan weather, please get a clue). We took in Venice Beach on a windy day, and the...
Feb 1, 2018 | Burnout, Calling, discouragement, Fatigue, Leadership, Pastor, People Leaving, Quitting, Stress, Uncategorized
What should you do if you’re a pastor and have lost the passion for your calling? What can you do when your assignment seems fuzzy, difficult, perplexing, and you find yourself wondering: “God, why did You lead me to this church?” Most pastors wrestle with these...