Ministry Begins with Rest
We’ve been providing care, counsel, and prayer to pastors and other servants of Christ for a number of years. One of the most important things…
Tag: Ministry Stress
Vicarious Trauma in Ministry
If you’re caring for people that have been traumatized or are in crisis then you’re suffering with them vicariously. If you’re a pastor, you probably…
Trying to Grow My Church Drained My Soul
“As a senior pastor I was trying to be someone I was not,” writes Pete Scazzero. “I attended conferences and read books about growing a…
How Church Can Hurt or Help Faith
Without a friend who feels our hurt, stress, and longings with us our souls shrivel up and die. Giving and receiving empathy are key to life in Christ.
When Henri Nouwen Couldn’t Feel God’s Love
The warmth of God’s presence can be elusive. In his secret journal, Henri Nouwen is vulnerable about a dark season in which he couldn’t feel…
The Secret of Jesus’ Easy Yoke
A friend of mine was quite late for his appointment with me. He finally arrived breathless as he explained to me that 24 hours in…
Poured Out for Others, Yet Full of Jesus
“My life is being poured out like a drink offering for you,” Paul wrote to a church he planted (Philippians 2:17, paraphrased). You know this…
6 Ways to Finish Well as a Christian Leader
In Dr. Bobby Clinton’s study of 3,500 leaders for Christ, it was found that only one-third of leaders finished well. Many drop out (usually due to…
Getting the Gorilla of Guilt Off Your Back!
At a coffee meeting, Pastor Sean lamented to me, “Another key leader left my church. I’ll probably never see him again.” “Why do you say that?”…
Pastors Who Fall Safely
My former pastor Bill Hybels did not learn how to fall safely. We all fall down in life, but have we learned to fall safely?…