A long obedience in the same direction.
Hello leaders.
Here is this week's round-up of the things I have been learning as I try to follow Jesus while helping others do the same.
ONE Thing I'm Learning While Following Jesus from the Leadership Chair. 🪑
I spend a lot of time thinking about how to help other people know God. That is a part of ministry I love. But I’ve noticed that it’s possible for me to prepare a message, study a passage, or help someone through a hard season while giving very little attention to what is happening in my own heart.
The warning signs are usually small. I’m quicker to get frustrated. Prayer starts feeling like one more thing I need to do. I keep moving because there is plenty to do, and stopping long enough to be honest with God feels harder than finishing the next task.
I don’t say that because I’ve found a perfect rhythm. I haven’t. I’m learning that caring for my soul takes more than putting a quiet time on the calendar and hoping it fixes everything. I need space to notice what I’m carrying, tell God the truth about it, and receive his care before I try to care for everyone else.
ONE Scripture I'm processing. 📚
(Galatians 6:9) "Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up."
Some parts of leadership take a long time to bear fruit, and I don’t always get to see what God is doing right away. This verse encourages me to keep doing the good work in front of me without demanding immediate results. It also reminds me to bring my weariness to God instead of pretending I can lead on an empty tank.
ONE Thing to Try This Week. 😎
Try this: Send a personal message to one person who has shared a difficulty with you and ask how they are doing now.
A follow-up tells someone you remembered them after the conversation ended. Their answer may show you a need you would otherwise have missed. It also gives you a chance to listen before trying to help.
ONE Thing Worth Your Time. ⏰
READ: Because Way Too Many Leaders Are Tired of Doing Everything Themselves
If you feel responsible for attending, deciding, and initiating everything, this article will probably hit close to home. Nieuwhof offers concrete ways to release responsibility, so other people can grow into their gifts.
ONE Question/Thought For our Spiritual Formation 🧐
Question: Where am I stepping in because I’m needed, and where am I stepping in because I’m uncomfortable letting go?
Those two reasons can look the same from the outside, but they lead to different decisions. Thinking about the difference may help you give another leader the room they need to grow.
Keep learning. Keep leading. Keep following Jesus.
— Dr. Cannon (Fellow Traveler)
