Leah Dixon
Ribs, Recovery, Relinquishing, and Responding

Copyright Dr. Penny Nelson Freeman, 2024

This story began because of an accident in the summer of 2016. Thankfully my ribs are healed, but my spine is degenerating faster than I like, and pain is far more of a daily experience. This story chronicles growth as I learn how to manage my health as I age (although those who know me better than I know myself would say I still need to learn to stop moving furniture by myself). I see many my age still able to ‘do,’ and I wouldn’t be honest if I said I don’t envy them.

Ribs, Recovery, Relinquishing, and Responding
Leah Dixon
Stepping Back to Better Move Toward

Copyright Laura Andrews, 2024

I didn’t attend a Christian school growing up, but I’ve heard stories about how chaperones at school dances would approach couples who were dancing too closely to remind them to “leave  room for the Holy Spirit.” We chuckle at this, but I think the suggestion is appropriate in our difficult relationships, especially those where we have been hesitant to allow or create distance. A lack of “room” can make it harder to remember that there is a third “person” present. 

One possible starting place is this question: What do you believe about God’s role and responsibilities in your relationships?

Stepping Back to Better Move Toward
Joe Bruni
The Treads of Redemption for Weak, Sinful ...

Copyright Joe Bruni, 2024

Not too long ago, I was talking to a ministry leader friend who had been through the ringer during the last few years. He was tired and had a sense of decision fatigue after navigating the tumultuous months and years of a pandemic, the culturally polarizing dynamics among his people during an election cycle, and a pastoral response to the concern for justice for racial and cultural minorities. He even felt beat up and betrayed by a group of people in his ministry who made accusations against him and left…

The Treads of Redemption for Weak, Sinful Ministry Leaders
Leah Dixon
When Relationships Hurt

Copyright Laura Andrews, 2023

Ask several people how they feel about their plans to be with loved ones over the holidays and you will likely get a spectrum of reactions ranging from the positive—excitement and gratitude—to the negative, like apprehension, dread, apathy, or discouragement. Many might even express mixed feelings because their affection for those they see doesn’t override the painful interactions generated by their time together.

Over the years I’ve noticed that this relational pain is often the result of two common experiences…

When Relationships Hurt
Leah Dixon
Three Ways to Support Loved Ones Returning From ...

Copyright Esther Frustino, 2023

Is someone you love planning an upcoming return from the mission field? Perhaps you are preparing to welcome a missionary family back to your congregation or an adult child back home from a season abroad. Returning from an extended time overseas can be deeply challenging for both the missionary and the family (or church family) receiving them.   

In my last blog post, I discussed five tips I wished someone had shared with me while I transitioned back into American culture after living in Italy for two years. In this post, I speak primarily to those of you receiving loved ones back – whether family members, friends, or members of your congregations. May these suggestions empower you to best connect with loved ones during the difficulties of re-entry and set you apart as a source of support…

Three Ways to Support Loved Ones Returning From the Mission Field

Burnout

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The Joy and Heartache of Being a Pastor’s Wife

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The Joy and Heartache of Being a Pastor’s Wife

Cheryl Flannery, Copyright 2020

I have been blessed to serve in the local church for 30 years, not as a ministry leader but as the spouse of a ministry leader. I love the life and ministry the Lord has graciously led us into and still have a deep longing to make an eternal impact for the glory of God. However, there are unique challenges to full-time ministry: many pastors’ wives experience a sense of loneliness and isolation for a variety of reasons. For someone in leadership, it is often rare to find a group where it is safe to share their heart openly and honestly.

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The Power of Attention in a Culture of Informational Glut

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The Power of Attention in a Culture of Informational Glut

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2020

The battle for our attention is an issue for everyone, but it is especially important for those in ministry leadership. Virtually everything in our culture--social media, entertainment, sports, advertisements, activities--demands our attention, and when not handled with care, results in distraction and disconnection from ourselves, families, congregations, and friends. Especially for those in ministry leadership, the expectations to be constantly available, have it all together, and wear multiple hats--often including preacher, counselor, organizational leader, building/operations foreman and even janitor--already put them at risk for complete physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. How we handle the multiple demands for and distraction of our attention will, over time, make or break our health, flourishing, and effectiveness in our callings.

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Understanding Our Limits: Capacity

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Understanding Our Limits: Capacity

Jon Sovocool, Copyright 2020

The COVID-19 quarantine has greedily robbed us of many things that are important to us: people we love, jobs we need, activities we enjoy. Even our experience of what remains “untouched” by the quarantine can at times be tainted. Why is this? Let’s examine some of those factors underpinning this difficult season and what we can do to shift our experience.

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Phil Carnuccio on Sabbatical...And Why You Need One

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Phil Carnuccio on Sabbatical...And Why You Need One

Interview by Leah Dixon, Copyright 2019

The ministry of a pastor in many ways is 24/7. You’re always on: Preaching inspiring sermons, leading with a compelling vision, managing effective strategic planning, building a healthy staff team, raising money, performing funerals, making hospital visits, counseling, confronting critical issues, absorbing criticism and engaging in ongoing learning. The demand is relentless.

And in our culture we idolize hard work. Many people in ministry are burning out or flaming out [moral failure]. It’s an epidemic. Over time people [in ministry] keep doing what is right, but they don’t have passion anymore. They are working out of fear. They feel stuck and wonder, What else am I going to do? I never want to just go through the motions. I want to have passion!

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Why Can’t I Hear the Angels Sing? The Twelve Labors of Christmas

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Why Can’t I Hear the Angels Sing? The Twelve Labors of Christmas

Dr. Penny Freeman, Originally published December 2016 Sharithomas.org

  1. List everything you think people in your life want that will bring them ultimate joy.

  2. Try to find these items cheaper (anywhere) by checking all the search engines and local merchants within a five-mile radius.

  3. Stop and drag out all the decorating stuff. Trim the tree to surprise your spouse. Put all the boxes away to keep house tidy.

  4. Maintain a good attitude.

    …

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The Solo Shepherd

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The Solo Shepherd

Guest blogger, Pastor Louis Prontnicki, Copyright 2018
Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church

In the lean and hard years of ministry I often prayed, “Lord, would you move me somewhere else? Would you put me in a church where I don’t have to do everything, and where I can have more influence? (for your glory, of course!)” The Lord answered those prayers with a “No.” In His wise and gracious providence, he kept me as the solo shepherd of a small congregation.

The Lord is teaching me through being a solo shepherd that I am not the savior of the church. By looking to Jesus Christ as my joy and reward, I can more easily be, as the hymn writer puts it, “Content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified.”

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Dealing With and Healing From Burnout

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Dealing With and Healing From Burnout

Dave Wiedis, Copyright 2011

Burnout! Twenty-five years ago I knew I was burned out when I carelessly walked in front of a SEPTA bus, and stupidly tried to defensively block it with a karate move. I had been working in a large Philadelphia law firm, and the relentless pressure and demands of practicing law had gradually depleted my energy and judgment (who walks in front of a bus and tries to block it??). The near miss with the SEPTA bus, whose driver’s quick reflexes saved me from tragedy, convinced me that I was beyond burned out, needed a break, and had to make wiser choices in my life.

Burnout is a real problem, and for pastors, it is a real threat to you, your family, your ministry and your church. According to one study on why pastors leave the ministry, moral failure is only the second most common reason pastors leave the ministry. The first is burnout.

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