I know the conflicted feeling of standing up to preach and yet knowing that my own soul is empty and dry. I know what it is to do ministry fueled only by experience and obligation. I know what it is to feed others while neglecting to feed my own soul. I know what it is to lead others while not leading myself very well.

Proverbs 14:8 says “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” It is healthy for those of us who serve in ministry to regularly push the pause button and “give thought” to our ways. It is good for us to do an honest diagnosis. Solomon says you are a fool to live in self-deception. So, let me ask you to give thought to the ways of your ministry. As you plot the trajectory of your life and soul, where does it lead?

I have been a Christ follower for more than 35 years and in full time Christian ministry for more than 25 years. I know my own struggles and I work with pastors most every day. It is no longer safe to assume that we as Christian leaders are doing well while doing good. It is no longer safe to assume that people in ministry have healthy souls and just need a little coaching in the leadership area.

I remember sitting in Milwaukee about 5 years ago with a group of seasoned Christian leaders. One white-haired man at the table was probably in his upper 60’s and had served in ministry 40 years. I will never forget the words that quietly but powerfully rolled off his lips that day. He said “the older I get the less concern I have with what I have or have not done and the more concern I have for what I have or have not become”. The older I get, the more I resonate with his wisdom. The older I get the more I realize that the greatest gift I give those I lead is my own authentic walk with Jesus.

Filed under: Replenish