“Protestant clergy have the highest overall work-related stress and are next to the lowest in having personal resources to cope with the occupational strain.” (Journal of Clinical Psychology, Resilient Ministry by Bob Burns, Tasha D. Chapman and Donald C. Guthrie)
The Jethro Group, under our Vision of “Healthy Leaders: Leading, Serving and Caring with Integrity”, focuses on Pastors every October. Your Pastor is one of those very unique individuals who leads and cares. With the right support, Pastors have the potential to achieve phenomenal change in our families, our churches and communities for God’s glory.
It is a privilege to laugh, pray and cry with Pastors. My work includes everything from recruiting, training, encouraging, caring, advising through difficulties, discipline and counselling out.
As a leader, ask yourself how often you:
- Listen, really listen for your Pastor’s heart.
- Pray consistently for your Pastor.
- Defend your Pastor when others criticize.
- Talk to your kids about what you learned from your Pastor.
- Give your Pastor a gift card.
- Tell your Pastor what you learned from Scripture this week.
- Talk with your Pastor about demonstrating God’s love at your work.
- Encourage your Pastor for their involvement in the community that you both live in.
- Remember that your Pastor is human and has good days and challenging ones.
- Ask your Pastor about their Spiritual Gifts and their dreams for your church.
- Remember that your Pastor hears, deals with and carries the challenges of many people.
- Ask your Pastors what keeps them awake at night, then agree to pray for and with them.
- Ask your Pastor to pray with you for the individual that you are mentoring.
“Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching.” Scripture tells us, “Don’t muzzle a working ox” and “A worker deserves his pay.” (1 Timothy 5:17-18 MSG)
Leadership is supporting your Ministry staff to accomplish God’s Vision.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com
