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

A Liturgy of Dependence and the Lure of Self-Sufficiency

A Liturgy of Dependence and the Lure of Self-Sufficiency

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2022

One of the primary habit-forming practices in our world and particularly in our country today is that of self-sufficiency. The “sovereign self” is an ultimate good in our culture today, and we are being shepherded to believe that the purest form of identity formation and expression come from within, independent of others’ influences or constraints. It is the power of pride and the myth of self-sufficiency that we celebrate and see on display in media, marketing, art, and pop-culture. It should not surprise us then that these same rhythms of independence and self-sufficiency are on display in ministry leadership today, as well.

The Significance of an Ordinary Life

The Significance of an Ordinary Life

Tucker Else, Copyright 2022

Every person you will come in contact with will be affected by you - the power of Christ in you. At ServingLeaders, we believe that caring for pastors and ministry leaders is so important precisely because of the impact you will have on your churches, families, and friends. There will be a ripple effect, wherein Christ’s kingdom will advance more and more as people are exposed to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Through you!

Symptoms and Root Causes of Pastoral Burnout (Part 2)

Symptoms and Root Causes of Pastoral Burnout (Part 2)

Chip Roper, Copyright 2022

Change delivers a “you can never go back there again” moment. Pastors, in particular, have felt this as “nearly two in five pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry,” according to Barna. When you leave your church as a pastor, your experience fits this category. At some point, the momentum takes over and even if you have regrets, even if you have job-changers remorse, you are stuck in the pull of an irresistible force. Change is happening and you cannot stop it.

Every leadership position is temporary. At some point, you will leave your leadership position. It’s been my story. After 19 years as a lead pastor in a church outside of Philadelphia, I found myself in the throes of transition.

Humility, Generous Friendship, and the Steadfast Suffering of Careful Thinking

Humility, Generous Friendship, and the Steadfast Suffering of Careful Thinking

Joe Bruni, Copyright 2021

There is a common, underlying thread of faithful leadership that in my estimation is the foundation for fruitfulness and excellence in life and ministry. By my own personal experience I can speak to the direct impact of John Stott’s leadership and legacy in the way it impacted the life and ministry of John Yates, whom I’ve known as a pastor, teacher and friend. His reflections on Stott’s legacy are important for us as we consider the future of ministry leadership.

How Should We Think About Ravi Zacharias's Sex Scandal?

How Should We Think About Ravi Zacharias's Sex Scandal?

Dave Wiedis, Copyright 2021

Many of you have probably heard about the allegations of sexual abuse against Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias.

If you are like me, you have experienced multiple emotions: deep compassion for his victims, anger at Ravi and the system that apparently protected him over many years, grief for his family and those who have experienced profound loss. And, you may be asking some hard questions about the meaning of Ravi’s seemingly hidden life.

Anxious? In a World Where We’re Told “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Our God Asks Us to Believe.

Anxious? In a World Where We’re Told “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Our God Asks Us to Believe.

Sarah Ensslen, Copyright 2020

As “returning to normal” continues to evade us in the year of the coronavirus, combined with unrest in so many spheres of life, and the everyday regular life struggles - anxiety has skyrocketed in ourselves and our communities at times to the point of panic attacks. In a world that cries for symptom relief, our God offers us so much more. As a citizen of the Kingdom of God, what will you search for when faced with anxiety or panic? Will you simply search for freedom from distressing emotions, ruminating thoughts and the accompanying physiological symptoms? Or, will you allow your shouting body, mind and heart to drive you to cross for the exposure of your unbelief as well?

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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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A Lifeline In The Darkness

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A Lifeline In The Darkness

Ann Spooner, MSS, LSW, Copyright 2020
Counselor

There is an old war saying, “The darkest hour is right before the dawn.” Sometimes in our lives, it seems as if the darkest hour is actually right before it goes completely black! Many of us have heard testimonies of how God healed someone or answered prayers for marriages or finances in powerfully positive ways. But what if you are living in prolonged agony where circumstances are not changing? How do you keep from despairing? God wants to give you a lifeline in the midst of your darkness so you may have hope.

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