There are times when ministry is easy. Details are in order. The plan is in place. The vision is cast. Nobody on your team is leaving. There’s no tension.
But there are also times where it’s a war to even show up. You don’t feel like doing it. You don’t feel appreciated. You know you aren’t doing the best job you can. There’s tension everywhere. People on your team are going to other churches. You think about giving up.
What do you do in those moments?
Here's what helps me:
1. Reconnect with the vision - When I feel off base, it's often because I've lost sight of the vision. Not just my vision but the vision of the church. It's important to get back to why we do what we do.
2. Encourage someone - When you're feeling down, there's nothing like stepping outside of yourself. Depression flourishes inside your own head. The more you can get out and encourage someone else, the more alive you will feel.
3. Connect with someone you admire - Do you know one of the biggest lessons I've learned after producing over 100 podcasts? The power of a great conversation. Oftentimes I'll be in such a big funk. But a well-timed conversation with someone further along than me, or someone I look up to can help lift me out and give me perspective. You don't have to produce a podcast to do this. Simply reach out via social media to connect with someone.
4. Do the next hard thing - This is massive for me. I get in a funk when I put off doing what I know needs to be done. Getting started on the next hard thing can lift the fog. What is it you know you need to do? Get started on the next step right now and watch the momentum surface.
5. Worship - There's nothing like getting in the presence of God and casting your cares on Him. I once heard a preacher say the best therapy session is worship. It changes your view. It puts your issues in proper perspective. Especially for worship leaders, this can't be overlooked.
By David Santistevan
Copyright © 2015 David Santistevan, All rights reserved.
www.davidsantistevan.com.
But there are also times where it’s a war to even show up. You don’t feel like doing it. You don’t feel appreciated. You know you aren’t doing the best job you can. There’s tension everywhere. People on your team are going to other churches. You think about giving up.
What do you do in those moments?
Here's what helps me:
1. Reconnect with the vision - When I feel off base, it's often because I've lost sight of the vision. Not just my vision but the vision of the church. It's important to get back to why we do what we do.
2. Encourage someone - When you're feeling down, there's nothing like stepping outside of yourself. Depression flourishes inside your own head. The more you can get out and encourage someone else, the more alive you will feel.
3. Connect with someone you admire - Do you know one of the biggest lessons I've learned after producing over 100 podcasts? The power of a great conversation. Oftentimes I'll be in such a big funk. But a well-timed conversation with someone further along than me, or someone I look up to can help lift me out and give me perspective. You don't have to produce a podcast to do this. Simply reach out via social media to connect with someone.
4. Do the next hard thing - This is massive for me. I get in a funk when I put off doing what I know needs to be done. Getting started on the next hard thing can lift the fog. What is it you know you need to do? Get started on the next step right now and watch the momentum surface.
5. Worship - There's nothing like getting in the presence of God and casting your cares on Him. I once heard a preacher say the best therapy session is worship. It changes your view. It puts your issues in proper perspective. Especially for worship leaders, this can't be overlooked.
By David Santistevan
Copyright © 2015 David Santistevan, All rights reserved.
www.davidsantistevan.com.
