Copyright Dr. Penny Nelson Freeman, 2024
This story began because of an accident in the summer of 2016. Thankfully my ribs are healed, but my spine is degenerating faster than I like, and pain is far more of a daily experience. This story chronicles growth as I learn how to manage my health as I age (although those who know me better than I know myself would say I still need to learn to stop moving furniture by myself). I see many my age still able to ‘do,’ and I wouldn’t be honest if I said I don’t envy them.
Copyright Laura Andrews, 2024
I didn’t attend a Christian school growing up, but I’ve heard stories about how chaperones at school dances would approach couples who were dancing too closely to remind them to “leave room for the Holy Spirit.” We chuckle at this, but I think the suggestion is appropriate in our difficult relationships, especially those where we have been hesitant to allow or create distance. A lack of “room” can make it harder to remember that there is a third “person” present.
One possible starting place is this question: What do you believe about God’s role and responsibilities in your relationships?
Joe Bruni, Copyright 2021
There is a common, underlying thread of faithful leadership that in my estimation is the foundation for fruitfulness and excellence in life and ministry. By my own personal experience I can speak to the direct impact of John Stott’s leadership and legacy in the way it impacted the life and ministry of John Yates, whom I’ve known as a pastor, teacher and friend. His reflections on Stott’s legacy are important for us as we consider the future of ministry leadership.
Dave Wiedis, Copyright 2021
Many of you have probably heard about the allegations of sexual abuse against Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias.
If you are like me, you have experienced multiple emotions: deep compassion for his victims, anger at Ravi and the system that apparently protected him over many years, grief for his family and those who have experienced profound loss. And, you may be asking some hard questions about the meaning of Ravi’s seemingly hidden life.
Sarah Ensslen, Copyright 2020
As “returning to normal” continues to evade us in the year of the coronavirus, combined with unrest in so many spheres of life, and the everyday regular life struggles - anxiety has skyrocketed in ourselves and our communities at times to the point of panic attacks. In a world that cries for symptom relief, our God offers us so much more. As a citizen of the Kingdom of God, what will you search for when faced with anxiety or panic? Will you simply search for freedom from distressing emotions, ruminating thoughts and the accompanying physiological symptoms? Or, will you allow your shouting body, mind and heart to drive you to cross for the exposure of your unbelief as well?
Cheryl Flannery, Copyright 2020
I have been blessed to serve in the local church for 30 years, not as a ministry leader but as the spouse of a ministry leader. I love the life and ministry the Lord has graciously led us into and still have a deep longing to make an eternal impact for the glory of God. However, there are unique challenges to full-time ministry: many pastors’ wives experience a sense of loneliness and isolation for a variety of reasons. For someone in leadership, it is often rare to find a group where it is safe to share their heart openly and honestly.
Ann Spooner, MSS, LSW, Copyright 2020
Counselor
There is an old war saying, “The darkest hour is right before the dawn.” Sometimes in our lives, it seems as if the darkest hour is actually right before it goes completely black! Many of us have heard testimonies of how God healed someone or answered prayers for marriages or finances in powerfully positive ways. But what if you are living in prolonged agony where circumstances are not changing? How do you keep from despairing? God wants to give you a lifeline in the midst of your darkness so you may have hope.
Dave Wiedis, Copyright 2014
It is a sad and uncomfortable fact: Pastors and ministry leaders struggle with the same temptations and sinful inclinations as “lay” people. Although we long to have pastors who are filled with unwavering faith, have model marriages and families, provide strong leadership, and deliver excellent expository preaching, the reality is that our pastoral leaders are human, and they struggle just like the rest of us.
Joe Bruni, Copyright 2020
The battle for our attention is an issue for everyone, but it is especially important for those in ministry leadership. Virtually everything in our culture--social media, entertainment, sports, advertisements, activities--demands our attention, and when not handled with care, results in distraction and disconnection from ourselves, families, congregations, and friends. Especially for those in ministry leadership, the expectations to be constantly available, have it all together, and wear multiple hats--often including preacher, counselor, organizational leader, building/operations foreman and even janitor--already put them at risk for complete physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. How we handle the multiple demands for and distraction of our attention will, over time, make or break our health, flourishing, and effectiveness in our callings.
Ann Spooner, Copyright 2020
For many weeks now, we have repeatedly heard the importance of social distancing for the sake of ourselves and others. This is necessary and wise counsel. However, it can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness. Even as we begin to see more friends and family, not being able to hug them can still leave a void.
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.
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.
Laura Nagy, MS RD LDN CPT, Certified Wellness Coach, Copyright 2020
Raise your hand if you’ve noticed some increased stress in your life these days. I’m raising mine high! It is difficult to avoid some feeling of uncertainty as we navigate the changing circumstances of our world today. For many of you who are ministry leaders, this time of uncertainty may bring even more stress as you pour yourselves out to the needs of the individuals you shepherd.
Updated: 4/17/2020, By Dave Wiedis
As all of us make the difficult adjustment to “social distancing” requirements and begin to feel the weight of this tremendous, sudden change, we would like to serve as a point of connection for ministry leaders. We have started this online forum to share resources that we have found and provide a place for you to comment with additional resources, questions, ideas, and video links.
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