Self Management
I picked up this great article by Stan Toler from the Greater Ohio District website:
One pastor recently estimated that 80 percent of the clergy in his denomination have thought about giving up the ministry sometime in the past month. Whether that number is realistic or not, the fact is that many pastor are ready to quit. Unrealistic expectations and mounting obligation are taking their toll.
But there are ways to strengthen yourself and your ministry. You can not just survive but thrive in ministry leadership. In a day when nobody "pastors the pastor," you need to get good at taking care of yourself. There's no quick fix, but you can be successful over the long haul if you get good at three things. Get a handle on these skills, and you'll master the ministry.
1. Learn to Manage Stress. We used to think that stress was an enemy to be avoided at all costs. We now know that stress cannot be avoided; it must be managed. An important skill for managing stress is to develop healthy person habits. Get enough rest; many pastors don't, especially in growing churches. Discipline yourself to take days off--whole days--to recharge and refocus.
Develop close friendships. Isolation is common in the pastorate. Many pastors live far away from extended family and have few close friends. Take the time to develop a few close relationships. And pursue a hobby. Don't feel guilty about playing a round of golf or spending a day in the wood shop. Find a creative outlet apart from your work. It will be good for your mind and body.
2. Work on Personal Development. Howard Hendricks says that if you stop learning today you stop teaching tomorrow. Think of yourself as a lifelong learner. Make the decision that you will not be satisfied with the personal and professional skills that you now have--you'll keep growing. Read constantly. Books, magazines, journals-anything you can get your hands on. Feed your mind with good ideas.
Acquire computer skills. A pastor who can use common software applications such as a word processor, spreadsheet, or desktop publisher can double his or her productivity and discover new ministry possibilities.
Pursue educational opportunities, travel, and networking with other professionals: expand your horizons in any way you can. If you keep growing, your ministry will too.
3. Guard Your Ministry. We all know the dangers. But few of us seem to know how to defend against them. Remember these keys to protecting yourself from personal failure:
Self Define. Pastoral expectations have exploded in the past decade. Churches expect more and more from their pastors, and many are crushed under the load. The pastor who survives those escalating pressures will be the one who has a clear-cut job description-and a congregation who understands it.
Self Examine. Being honest with yourself about internal issues like rejection, loneliness, pride, or low self-esteem is the first step to avoiding failure. Know yourself, and you won't be taken by surprise.
Self Discipline. Most people have one or two glaring weaknesses. Wise people, and certainly wise pastors, know where they are vulnerable and avoid temptation in those areas.
Until we see Christ face to face, stay focused on God's mission. Stay true to yourself and those who love you. Brace yourself for the temptations of the enemy. And get ready for a celestial homecoming beyond your wildest dreams!
One pastor recently estimated that 80 percent of the clergy in his denomination have thought about giving up the ministry sometime in the past month. Whether that number is realistic or not, the fact is that many pastor are ready to quit. Unrealistic expectations and mounting obligation are taking their toll.
But there are ways to strengthen yourself and your ministry. You can not just survive but thrive in ministry leadership. In a day when nobody "pastors the pastor," you need to get good at taking care of yourself. There's no quick fix, but you can be successful over the long haul if you get good at three things. Get a handle on these skills, and you'll master the ministry.
1. Learn to Manage Stress. We used to think that stress was an enemy to be avoided at all costs. We now know that stress cannot be avoided; it must be managed. An important skill for managing stress is to develop healthy person habits. Get enough rest; many pastors don't, especially in growing churches. Discipline yourself to take days off--whole days--to recharge and refocus.
Develop close friendships. Isolation is common in the pastorate. Many pastors live far away from extended family and have few close friends. Take the time to develop a few close relationships. And pursue a hobby. Don't feel guilty about playing a round of golf or spending a day in the wood shop. Find a creative outlet apart from your work. It will be good for your mind and body.
2. Work on Personal Development. Howard Hendricks says that if you stop learning today you stop teaching tomorrow. Think of yourself as a lifelong learner. Make the decision that you will not be satisfied with the personal and professional skills that you now have--you'll keep growing. Read constantly. Books, magazines, journals-anything you can get your hands on. Feed your mind with good ideas.
Acquire computer skills. A pastor who can use common software applications such as a word processor, spreadsheet, or desktop publisher can double his or her productivity and discover new ministry possibilities.
Pursue educational opportunities, travel, and networking with other professionals: expand your horizons in any way you can. If you keep growing, your ministry will too.
3. Guard Your Ministry. We all know the dangers. But few of us seem to know how to defend against them. Remember these keys to protecting yourself from personal failure:
Self Define. Pastoral expectations have exploded in the past decade. Churches expect more and more from their pastors, and many are crushed under the load. The pastor who survives those escalating pressures will be the one who has a clear-cut job description-and a congregation who understands it.
Self Examine. Being honest with yourself about internal issues like rejection, loneliness, pride, or low self-esteem is the first step to avoiding failure. Know yourself, and you won't be taken by surprise.
Self Discipline. Most people have one or two glaring weaknesses. Wise people, and certainly wise pastors, know where they are vulnerable and avoid temptation in those areas.
Until we see Christ face to face, stay focused on God's mission. Stay true to yourself and those who love you. Brace yourself for the temptations of the enemy. And get ready for a celestial homecoming beyond your wildest dreams!
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