The world is not going to end if you take a day off. This planet will keep turning if you go on a vacation. One of the best things you can do to stay fresh as a preacher is to take a break. So many pastors get burned out and fatigued because they lack balance. They are giving 100 percent of themselves 100 percent of the time. This is not sustainable and will lead to an … [Read more...]
5 beliefs that make pastoral care more challenging
Sometimes our beliefs about pastoral ministry hinder our effectiveness. As I have interacted with pastors, elders, and deacons—from a wide range of Christian denominations—I have heard a few beliefs about pastoral care that actually undermine pastors’ commitment to shepherd God’s people. It’s not that these people are wanting to shirk their responsibilities; they just haven’t … [Read more...]
When your “to-dos” are longer than your time: A secret to balancing high-needs members and ministry demands
Every church has a few of them—members or regular attenders who require more of your time and the church’s resources. Maybe it’s: Carol, the single mom who frequently needs help with parenting her rebellious teenage son Gary, the divorced guy whose ex-wife is turning his kids against him, and as a result, he needs a lot of encouragement Aaron, the young adult in … [Read more...]
What is CareLeader.org?
“Moses’ father-in-law said to him, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.’” Exod. 18:17–18 ESV If you enjoy pastoral care, or you struggle with it, you weren’t designed to do it alone (Eph. 4:11–12). But realizing that doesn’t make your pastoral … [Read more...]