Self-care

Sacrifice & Stewardship in Times of Uncertainty and Change

Sacrifice & Stewardship in Times of Uncertainty and Change

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2020

All of us are experiencing loss in one way or another. Many of us are experiencing first-hand the loss and grief that COVID brings. For those of you who are ministry leaders, this time of uncertainty has likely brought even more stress as you pour yourselves out to the needs of the individuals you shepherd. Jesus experienced something similar.

Understanding Our Limits: Capacity

Understanding Our Limits: Capacity

Jon Sovocool, Copyright 2020

The COVID-19 quarantine has greedily robbed us of many things that are important to us: people we love, jobs we need, activities we enjoy. Even our experience of what remains “untouched” by the quarantine can at times be tainted. Why is this? Let’s examine some of those factors underpinning this difficult season and what we can do to shift our experience.

Finding the Rest of Ministry Leadership

Finding the Rest of Ministry Leadership

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2019

In the Gospel of Mark, we hear the incredible story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Leading up to this event, Jesus and His disciples were in the midst of intensive training and ministry. What did Jesus promise the disciples after a very busy season of healing and teaching? Get away and rest. Did they get it? No and yes.

In Mark 6:31, the author gives a key detail to illustrate the disciples’ need for rest: they had no leisure even to eat (ESV). This already-weary group stepped away with Jesus for rest only to be greeted by another large crowd. And what was their concern with this crowd? Send them away for food. We can’t host them.