Sep 30, 2021 | Burnout, Laziness, Leadership, Longevity, Missionary, Pastor, Productivity, Uncategorized, Workaholism
I enjoy occasionally watching the ABC show, Shark Tank. It’s entertaining, funny, informative, and at times—touching. The show reminds me about the importance of focus, passion, hard work, and commitment to one’s calling. It’s a weekly testament to the power of...
Nov 5, 2020 | Depression, discouragement, Emotional Health, friendship, Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Relationships
This past Sunday at church, a good friend asked me, “How are you?” I gave her the standard, “I’m good” response, even though I came to church that morning carrying some heaviness. She persisted, “How are you . . . really?” It was like she had radar and could sense...
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...
Apr 30, 2020 | Leadership, Ministry Leader, Missionary, Pastor, Uncategorized
What happens when things get back to “normal?” When the COVID-19 shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted? What will our churches look like? What do we need to bring forward from this season into our leadership when we can gather again? Our writing team here at...
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...