Friday, January 21, 2011

Leading on empty

One thing i have seen multiple times, at multiple churches, are leaders who are running on fumes. It is one of my aims this year to stem the flow...

Usually, those leading on empty have a common trait.

There is an imbalance in the amount that they are giving compared to what they are receiving. This can be physically, emotionally, relationally, vocationally and spiritually and generally spreads across areas of life.

Physically, they can be under-slept, underfed and unfit due to stress or business.
Emotionally, they can be burdened by everyone else's problems, but not have an appropriate outlet to process what's happening in their own life.

Relationally, they can feel a disconnection with those who they minister beside and not open their lives with each other.

Vocationally, they can be in a job that gives them little satisfaction or (at least feel) have no ultimate purpose.

Spiritually, they can be lapsed with keeping the spiritual disciplines of bible study, prayer and church attendance.

The simple answer?

I'm not convinced there is one, but a big chunk of the solution lies with leaders participating in a regular small group.

A place and people where they can share their spiritual journey and receive input, support and accountability.

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