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Why Do I Feel so Alone although I Minister to Others?
By: Dr. Fred Childs
Although you may feel like you are the only one, you are not. A large percentage of other pastors and ministers also feel isolated and alone even as they minister to crowds of people on a regular basis. The feeling of isolation or of being alone plagues many ministers and their spouses. This article identifies 12 causes and potential solutions. It also validates a few of the many needs for spiritual Fathers and/or mentors.
The vast majority of Christian leaders do not actually have a mentor or spiritual father in their life.
Each of the following topics could be a guideline for validating the need for a mentor in your life and ministry.
The Isolation of the Calling
If you truly have a calling from God you may be the only one with that particular call. Even a quick cursory review of the Bible reveals men like Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Elijah, Jeremiah who felt the pain of isolation and solitude. They had no peers.
Elijah even stated once that he was the only one like himself, but God quickly corrected him by saying there were 7000 others similar to him. Your isolation may have many ingredients such as location, a unique but misunderstood calling, not relating to the people around you, and many others.
Regardless of the reason(s) for your isolation you need to understand that there is someone somewhere who can relate to you. It is your responsibility to climb out of your box of isolation. Of course, God always understands, but there are times you also need people. Just having someone to listen to you is not always enough. You need someone with wisdom and sage advice who can help direct you forward. Perhaps you need a mentor? The right mentor will help you use the isolation of the calling as an advantage to become more effective.
The Solitude of Alone Time
Solitude is a two-edged sword. Although it is healthy to have alone time for self, meditation, exercise, relaxation and prayer, it can also become a dark pit of separation and despair. You must not close out the essential people around you. Your family, staff, and peers each need the right amounts of time with you and your input.
If you do not have alone time in your schedule it is imperative that you work toward finding time for it. You must use your alone time wisely by assuring that there is some personal growth value associated with it. You must also establish some mind guards because an idle mind can wander into areas it should not go into. Always remember that the adversary may use your alone time to speak his deceits into your thoughts.
What has solitude done or not done for you? A mentor could help validate that your alone time is really being beneficial to your life and ministry.
The Abandonment of Things You Love
It is not uncommon for your calling or vocation to necessitate relocation. Often in the pursuit of God’s will one finds themself in a place they would prefer not to be. Leaving behind loved ones, familiar surroundings, careers, friends, retirement, and even cultures exacts a heavy toll over process of time. Missed birthdays, anniversaries, and funerals weigh heavy on a caring heart. Going home to find that children have grown and elders have really aged can bring grief, regret, depression, and questions.
There has to be a balance. What is reasonable sacrifice and what is not? Are you absolutely sure of your calling?
A seasoned mentor understands that in one’s youth they will do and commit to things without fully realizing the toll time will take. It is always wise to deal with realities and ramifications early on, or to at least be made aware of them.
False Assumptions
One of the hardest things to deal with is coping with the consequence of unrealized assumptions. Whether you are the leader or the follower you are dependent upon the actions of others. When promises are voided and people abandon, or at best disappoint you, there is an aftermath of feelings and emotions to deal with. The end result can be anger, bitterness and anxiety. These are the works of the flesh. What happens to you is not as important as your response to it. Anyone wrestling with such feelings and emotions would do well to open up to and listen to a seasoned mentor. All of these things can be used for the good if you allow such to occur in you.
Driving Goals and Aspirations Through Others
The peril of leadership is hinged upon the fact that most of what you desire to accomplish must be done through others. The stress of creating organizational unity in a dysfunctional culture exacts a heavy toll. Hidden agendas, disloyalties, dereliction of duty, abdication of responsibility can drain a leader’s energy and creativity. However, the goal is attainable. A good mentor is an ally to make sure you ask the right questions, stay on track, and remain focused.
The Glass House
Even a casual observer of a presidential election understands that nothing in a candidate’s life is sacred or out of bounds from the media’s scrutiny. Hollywood stars are constantly plagued by the paparazzi. Pastor’s and church leaders must comprehend that they and their families also live in a glass house. Although it isn’t always fair you will be held to a higher level of scrutiny and accountability. There will always be the possibility of false rumors and gossip as your motives and actions are critiqued by the uninformed. It is hard to not take things personally or to respond inappropriately. A wise mentor might be the voice you need to help still the storm of feelings and emotions, or point you to the light when darkness closes in.
Always Having to Produce
Pastors and other leaders always find that no matter how much they have done, they still must produce more. If you have preached 1000 great sermons, even a short string of flops will soon have people saying that you have lost it. In every category of leadership there is always a need to produce again and again. Eventually you find that as a leader you too are only human. You are not the “Iron Man” some think you to be. If you are having trouble balancing the inflow and the outflow then you need to pause now and re-evaluate your life, schedule, habits and routine.
Mentors are able to be more objective when evaluating you with external eyes. A good mentor can help you re-adjust your schedule, learn new habits, and abandon negative behaviors for the benefit of all.
Divided Loyalties
Pastors are constantly pulled by divided loyalties. Some cut short their much needed vacation because someone in the congregation gets sick. Others neglect spouses and children while spending too many hours with people who simply demand their personal time and attention. Quite often leaders find themselves counseling in areas they are not qualified to counsel in. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for dysfunction and animosity to creep into a pastoral family because of divided loyalties. A mentor can help you keep your priories in order and save you from the train wrecks caused by long-term neglect and abandonment.
Living with Regrets
One of the saddest legacies is for one to spend their life serving others only to live with regrets in the latter years. Everyone lives life moving forward but understand it looking backward; therefore some things do not make sense until you have lived long enough to learn life’s hard lessons. Every pastor needs a mentor who has been through enough life experiences to identify and relate to the decisions, choices, pitfalls and mistakes that lead to regrets. Now is the time to look at everything you are doing.
When Promises Fail
Have you ever relocated to assume a role or position of responsibility based on the promises of someone else? If you have, or are considering such a change, then you must realize that more often than not unwritten promises are easily cast aside and forgotten by those who made them. At other times the person who made the promise to you has been replaced and the promise voided by their successor. Whether you are dealing with failed or unrealized promises, or contemplating a change based upon promises, you should consult a mentor to help you make sure you are thinking or questioning correctly. It is your life and your ministry and you do not want to make a mistake if one can be avoided.
The Peril of Disconnecting from Reality
It is very frustrating and demoralizing to be a leader that is disconnected from reality. It is equally frustrating to be a follower of a leader who is disconnected from reality. If you are not prepared for leadership you will only harm yourself and those who follow you. It is unfair to drag your family through failure and disappointment again and again simply because you never counted the cost before making the decision to begin a life-changing undertaking. The Bible says if you are going to go to war or build a tower to first make sure you have everything you need to finish it.
The value of a mentor is that external voice of experience that has no hidden agenda. The sole purpose of a mentor is to help you stay on the best path upward for the will of God for your life. A small investment in a mentor may save you from a huge loss of the quality and happiness of life.
Separation from God
Many church leaders have been so busy doing the work of God that they lose connection with God. It is so easy working for God that one may never learn to work with God. It would be a sad ending for you as a leader to gain the whole world only to lose your own soul. Perhaps your dilemma is that due to talent, skill, education, or access to technology you succeeded in ministry without having to be connected to God. Perhaps privilege or heritage positioned you to a place of leadership but you somehow bypassed the essential role of discipleship. These and a host of other scenarios increase your odds of abject failure or moral breakdown.
Now is the opportune time to critically examine your connection to God. It is always in your best interest to have an outside person play the role of critical evaluator. A critical evaluator is someone who will ask the right questions to keep you honest with yourself. A seasoned mentor is most often the best source to perform that role.
The Easy Solution is Available and Affordable
Our goal at ChurchMentor.net is to make mentoring for your ministry available, affordable, and practical for you and your busy schedule. Check us out. www.ChurchMentor.net is the solution and partner you need to succeed at what God has called you to do.
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A Leader's Courage - An Honest Look
Fear can and will keep many good leaders from becoming great leaders. Many mountain climbers have stood at the base camp of Mt. Everest, yet only a small percentage of them have had the courage it takes to actually climb to the top of that mountain.
Fear of the unknown. Fear of what people will say if we fail. Fear of the criticism along the way. Fear of being the only one saying “It can be done.” Fear of our vision being rejected by others.
Fear can kill our God given directive. It can suffocate our dream.
A position or office does not cause a person to become a leader. Though a person be chosen to Pastor a church, they are not truly a leader until they face their fears and actually lead that congregation into the places that God would want it to go. Being chosen to lead is easy. Actually leading is hard.
What defines a true visionary? Is it someone who has a lot of great ideas? Someone who sees the need for change, but never causes that change to take place? About 1 year ago I asked my wife to be very critical of me. I asked her to honestly tell me if I was someone who saw the things that needed to change and caused them to change or if I was someone who pointed out all the areas of needed change and did nothing. Her response though honest, was not what I wanted to hear.
I have determined, that if I am unable or unwilling to cause change in a given area, I will keep my mouth shut. Although I may see a need to change, I will say nothing, unless it is to spark a vision in another person who is capable of creating the needed change.
When I see another person or ministry who is successful, I go to them and find out how/why they are having success. I try to learn from them. Yet, I usually find that the reason they are having success is something I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me about in the past. I get beat up pretty bad as I realize that God told me to do this same thing several years ago, only I lacked the courage to launch into it. You must admit with me that some of the more successful people around you are doing things that you yourself have considered, only they did it and you didn’t.
[ read more...]
A Leader's Courage - An Honest Look
Fear can and will keep many good leaders from becoming great leaders. Many mountain climbers have stood at the base camp of Mt. Everest, yet only a small percentage of them have had the courage it takes to actually climb to the top of that mountain.
Fear of the unknown. Fear of what people will say if we fail. Fear of the criticism along the way. Fear of being the only one saying “It can be done.” Fear of our vision being rejected by others.
Fear can kill our God given directive. It can suffocate our dream.
A position or office does not cause a person to become a leader. Though a person be chosen to Pastor a church, they are not truly a leader until they face their fears and actually lead that congregation into the places that God would want it to go. Being chosen to lead is easy. Actually leading is hard.
What defines a true visionary? Is it someone who has a lot of great ideas? Someone who sees the need for change, but never causes that change to take place? About 1 year ago I asked my wife to be very critical of me. I asked her to honestly tell me if I was someone who saw the things that needed to change and caused them to change or if I was someone who pointed out all the areas of needed change and did nothing. Her response though honest, was not what I wanted to hear.
I have determined, that if I am unable or unwilling to cause change in a given area, I will keep my mouth shut. Although I may see a need to change, I will say nothing, unless it is to spark a vision in another person who is capable of creating the needed change.
When I see another person or ministry who is successful, I go to them and find out how/why they are having success. I try to learn from them. Yet, I usually find that the reason they are having success is something I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me about in the past. I get beat up pretty bad as I realize that God told me to do this same thing several years ago, only I lacked the courage to launch into it. You must admit with me that some of the more successful people around you are doing things that you yourself have considered, only they did it and you didn’t.
[ read more...]
Stop Interrupting Me!
Without a doubt, interruptions in a day can kill your effectiveness. A "list of things to do" is hardly started before the first interruption sends you reeling toward another unproductive day.
It's important to know who can interrupt you when you are busy and who cannot. To reduce the number of interruptions you receive, draw up the following lists:
- People who may interrupt you at any time, such as your spouse or other church ministers.
- People who may interrupt you when you are not particularly busy, such as important members of the church.
- People who may not interrupt you at all.
These lists can save your day. Keep them in mind and give copies to your support staff and relevant ministers of the church. Ask them to follow these lists as much as possible.
A few good ideas to minimize interruptions:
- Ask your secretary or assistant to screen calls for you.
- Stand up and walk towards the door to indicate the end of a meeting.
- Do not sit down if you are followed into your office.
- Keep your office door closed when you do not want to be interrupted.
Stop Interrupting Me!
Without a doubt, interruptions in a day can kill your effectiveness. A "list of things to do" is hardly started before the first interruption sends you reeling toward another unproductive day.
It's important to know who can interrupt you when you are busy and who cannot. To reduce the number of interruptions you receive, draw up the following lists:
- People who may interrupt you at any time, such as your spouse or other church ministers.
- People who may interrupt you when you are not particularly busy, such as important members of the church.
- People who may not interrupt you at all.
These lists can save your day. Keep them in mind and give copies to your support staff and relevant ministers of the church. Ask them to follow these lists as much as possible.
A few good ideas to minimize interruptions:
- Ask your secretary or assistant to screen calls for you.
- Stand up and walk towards the door to indicate the end of a meeting.
- Do not sit down if you are followed into your office.
- Keep your office door closed when you do not want to be interrupted.
Momentum - Allowing God To Move Consistently
This series of articles are dedicated to those individuals who would struggle to maintain the momentum of God's workings in the church.
Definition
Latin centum, movement, from *movimentum, from mov re, to move. See meu - in Indo-European Roots
a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity; broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force
n 1: an impelling force or strength; "the car's momentum carried it off the road" [syn: impulse] 2: the product of a body's mass and its velocity; "the momentum of the particles was deduced from meteoritic velocities"
Momentum is very hard to create. The larger the object, the harder it is to move. Depending on how much energy is needed to move it and the amount of time that energy can be applied decides how much momentum can be generated.
Building momentum in the church is not easy.
It takes:
- Commitment
-
Sacrifice
-
A constant Investment Of Time
- An Endless Amount Of Energy
Once momentum is established in a given ministry or area of the church, it is of utmost necessity to maintain that momentum.
If that momentum is lost or diminished, it is not easily regained. In fact it often takes more energy and time to create the momentum a second time. This is due to human nature and the fact that people are not easily convinced of something after it has proven unsuccessful the first time.
[ read more...]
Momentum - Allowing God To Move Consistently
This series of articles are dedicated to those individuals who would struggle to maintain the momentum of God's workings in the church.
Definition
Latin centum, movement, from *movimentum, from mov re, to move. See meu - in Indo-European Roots
a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity; broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force
n 1: an impelling force or strength; "the car's momentum carried it off the road" [syn: impulse] 2: the product of a body's mass and its velocity; "the momentum of the particles was deduced from meteoritic velocities"
Momentum is very hard to create. The larger the object, the harder it is to move. Depending on how much energy is needed to move it and the amount of time that energy can be applied decides how much momentum can be generated.
Building momentum in the church is not easy.
It takes:
- Commitment
-
Sacrifice
-
A constant Investment Of Time
- An Endless Amount Of Energy
Once momentum is established in a given ministry or area of the church, it is of utmost necessity to maintain that momentum.
If that momentum is lost or diminished, it is not easily regained. In fact it often takes more energy and time to create the momentum a second time. This is due to human nature and the fact that people are not easily convinced of something after it has proven unsuccessful the first time.
[ read more...]
They Shall Mount Up With Wings
This often-used scripture has always challenged the believer, for most want to be able to live up above the earthly arena of life. The one key is written; They that wait, they that serve the Lord with life and lips will surely learn the art of mounting up. I read an article about birds that stated, "The hearts of birds are heavier in proportion than the hearts of man or other animals." The reason given was, the more the body works, the greater the demand on the heart, which causes it to become heavier. Birds are very hard working creatures and so should the believer be.
A lofty life lived on spiritual wings requires an enlarged heart, which means constant fellowship with God Himself. If we are to live in the Heavenlies, to arise we must ask God to give us a bigger heart. Our desires must be for Spiritual things and only a heart after God will allow that.
In Psalm 119:32, the writer shouts, "I will run in the way of thy commandments, when thou shall enlarge my heart!"
[ read more...]
They Shall Mount Up With Wings
This often-used scripture has always challenged the believer, for most want to be able to live up above the earthly arena of life. The one key is written; They that wait, they that serve the Lord with life and lips will surely learn the art of mounting up. I read an article about birds that stated, "The hearts of birds are heavier in proportion than the hearts of man or other animals." The reason given was, the more the body works, the greater the demand on the heart, which causes it to become heavier. Birds are very hard working creatures and so should the believer be.
A lofty life lived on spiritual wings requires an enlarged heart, which means constant fellowship with God Himself. If we are to live in the Heavenlies, to arise we must ask God to give us a bigger heart. Our desires must be for Spiritual things and only a heart after God will allow that.
In Psalm 119:32, the writer shouts, "I will run in the way of thy commandments, when thou shall enlarge my heart!"
[ read more...]
Overwhelmed
I frequently converse with ministers and business leaders who are overwhelmed. They need help and I have solutions. I am good at what I do. However, all too often my attempts to help prove futile because leaders are notorious for not allowing themselves to see beyond assumed responsibilities and circumstances. They have problems focusing. For some it might be their Attention Deficit Disorder kicking in, and for others it is simply personal neglect. Just as a mechanic’s car often needs the most repair, and a plumber’s house needs a leaky faucet fixed, leaders seem to avoid personal changes of routine and lifestyle.
Sadly this is all too common. Many leaders assume roles and responsibilities they should not assume and therefore settle for a constant state of chaos and mediocrity. Numerous potential problems arise when a leader reaches a saturation point but refuses assistance and is unwilling to change habits.
I want to highlight a five of the potential problems and emphasize a few solutions for each.
The first potential problem: Addiction to adrenaline. Workaholics get used to the adrenaline they feel when meeting certain goals or deadlines. Many leaders develop a sense of pride at being busy; often boasting whenever their schedule hits overload because it feeds their false ego of self-importance. They have a hard time saying “no” to new responsibilities.
The intensity one feels when overwhelmed develops stress. This affects the quality of their relationships. Stressed leaders can become very controlling, territorial, moody, and sharp with their reactions to others. Stress also has negative affects on health in the long term.
Depression often sets in when someone who is addicted to adrenaline attempts to slow down or relax. Time with God, loved ones, and for personal development tends to be neglected or placed on the backburner. Those things simply aren’t the leader’s priority, and that is a big part of the problem.
Suggested solutions include:
- Establish a maximum number of hours to focus on work each day.
- Refuse to take work home with you.
- If an extra request for you to do something means you cannot accomplish it without adding to your maximum allotted workday hours then say “no” to the request.
- Schedule time off on a regular basis.
The second potential problem: Burnout. The body, mind and emotions are designed for a balance of work and rest. Time must be made for both. Burnout sneaks up on you, and when it comes it can be very difficult to conquer.
Burnout produces a cacophony of emotions. One might develop a sense of guilt, anger or regret. These are hard to overcome when one is in a state of burnout.
[ read more...]
Overwhelmed
I frequently converse with ministers and business leaders who are overwhelmed. They need help and I have solutions. I am good at what I do. However, all too often my attempts to help prove futile because leaders are notorious for not allowing themselves to see beyond assumed responsibilities and circumstances. They have problems focusing. For some it might be their Attention Deficit Disorder kicking in, and for others it is simply personal neglect. Just as a mechanic’s car often needs the most repair, and a plumber’s house needs a leaky faucet fixed, leaders seem to avoid personal changes of routine and lifestyle.
Sadly this is all too common. Many leaders assume roles and responsibilities they should not assume and therefore settle for a constant state of chaos and mediocrity. Numerous potential problems arise when a leader reaches a saturation point but refuses assistance and is unwilling to change habits.
I want to highlight a five of the potential problems and emphasize a few solutions for each.
The first potential problem: Addiction to adrenaline. Workaholics get used to the adrenaline they feel when meeting certain goals or deadlines. Many leaders develop a sense of pride at being busy; often boasting whenever their schedule hits overload because it feeds their false ego of self-importance. They have a hard time saying “no” to new responsibilities.
The intensity one feels when overwhelmed develops stress. This affects the quality of their relationships. Stressed leaders can become very controlling, territorial, moody, and sharp with their reactions to others. Stress also has negative affects on health in the long term.
Depression often sets in when someone who is addicted to adrenaline attempts to slow down or relax. Time with God, loved ones, and for personal development tends to be neglected or placed on the backburner. Those things simply aren’t the leader’s priority, and that is a big part of the problem.
Suggested solutions include:
- Establish a maximum number of hours to focus on work each day.
- Refuse to take work home with you.
- If an extra request for you to do something means you cannot accomplish it without adding to your maximum allotted workday hours then say “no” to the request.
- Schedule time off on a regular basis.
The second potential problem: Burnout. The body, mind and emotions are designed for a balance of work and rest. Time must be made for both. Burnout sneaks up on you, and when it comes it can be very difficult to conquer.
Burnout produces a cacophony of emotions. One might develop a sense of guilt, anger or regret. These are hard to overcome when one is in a state of burnout.
[ read more...]
Sustaining Hope: First Steps/Next Steps
What does sustaining hope mean to you?
We live in a world of epidemic uncertainty from politics to the financial world. Even religious views and positions have taken changed dramatically in recent years. Ours is a world with changing opinions and attitudes about God and His church. How people thought about the church 20 years ago is much different than how their children feel about it today.
How does one stay resolute in Hope? Those who feel a call of God to preach His Word to this ever-changing world should guard themselves from the elements that would discourage or dissuade them from the call to "sustain hope."
Sustaining hope means being encouraged when everyone else is discouraged. It means keeping your head up and showing people faith even when situations look their darkest. But, how does one stay encouraged? How do they keep that positive mental attitude when life is hitting them the hardest?
[ read more...]
Sustaining Hope: First Steps/Next Steps
What does sustaining hope mean to you?
We live in a world of epidemic uncertainty from politics to the financial world. Even religious views and positions have taken changed dramatically in recent years. Ours is a world with changing opinions and attitudes about God and His church. How people thought about the church 20 years ago is much different than how their children feel about it today.
How does one stay resolute in Hope? Those who feel a call of God to preach His Word to this ever-changing world should guard themselves from the elements that would discourage or dissuade them from the call to "sustain hope."
Sustaining hope means being encouraged when everyone else is discouraged. It means keeping your head up and showing people faith even when situations look their darkest. But, how does one stay encouraged? How do they keep that positive mental attitude when life is hitting them the hardest?
[ read more...]
I Hate Being Head Beagle!
One Snoopy cartoon depicts the famous beagle of Charley Brown lying on the roof of his dog house and complaining that everyone is constantly demanding something from him. He has so much more to do that he can possibly get accomplished. In the final frame of the cartoon, Snoopy sighs, “I hate being head beagle!”
Being head beagle is not always as glamorous as it appears to be. Amazingly, people struggle to become the top dog. There is some kind of allure to the top position in any given profession and the ministry is no different. An intoxication to be the one at the top of the ladder oftentimes blurs the true calling and divine purpose of too many people.
Few however, know the true cost of being the one with the title before his/her name. At the same time, those who are the One at the Top, overestimate their own true value. Any organization that only thrives because of the charisma of its sole leader is in trouble. In the day that the person whom the whole organization is revolving around falls away or steps aside, that organization is going to struggle to find direction for its immediate and future direction. Few churches/organizations who follow this pattern can survive completely with the loss of their fearless leader.
[ read more...]
I Hate Being Head Beagle!
One Snoopy cartoon depicts the famous beagle of Charley Brown lying on the roof of his dog house and complaining that everyone is constantly demanding something from him. He has so much more to do that he can possibly get accomplished. In the final frame of the cartoon, Snoopy sighs, “I hate being head beagle!”
Being head beagle is not always as glamorous as it appears to be. Amazingly, people struggle to become the top dog. There is some kind of allure to the top position in any given profession and the ministry is no different. An intoxication to be the one at the top of the ladder oftentimes blurs the true calling and divine purpose of too many people.
Few however, know the true cost of being the one with the title before his/her name. At the same time, those who are the One at the Top, overestimate their own true value. Any organization that only thrives because of the charisma of its sole leader is in trouble. In the day that the person whom the whole organization is revolving around falls away or steps aside, that organization is going to struggle to find direction for its immediate and future direction. Few churches/organizations who follow this pattern can survive completely with the loss of their fearless leader.
[ read more...]
Pastoring Is For Plodders, Not Sprinters!
An indispensable trait for successful pastors is perseverance. The New Testament word, hupomeno, is best translated "Patiently enduring" or "overcoming difficulties." This unglamorous component of leadership may disappoint those hoping to build effective churches by means of skill, charisma and intelligence alone. Never the less, those who persevere - who doggedly pursue what God has shown them - are more likely to reach their pastoral goals than those sprinting along in reliance on their natural abilities. Perseverance is characterized by three elements:
- Resilience
- Learned Optimism
- Opportunism.
Resilience - is the ability to bounce back.
Learned Optimism - defined as having an eye for what is going right.
Opportunism - enables the pastor to see opportunities amid the problems.
Pastoring Is For Plodders, Not Sprinters!
An indispensable trait for successful pastors is perseverance. The New Testament word, hupomeno, is best translated "Patiently enduring" or "overcoming difficulties." This unglamorous component of leadership may disappoint those hoping to build effective churches by means of skill, charisma and intelligence alone. Never the less, those who persevere - who doggedly pursue what God has shown them - are more likely to reach their pastoral goals than those sprinting along in reliance on their natural abilities. Perseverance is characterized by three elements:
- Resilience
- Learned Optimism
- Opportunism.
Resilience - is the ability to bounce back.
Learned Optimism - defined as having an eye for what is going right.
Opportunism - enables the pastor to see opportunities amid the problems.
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