Church communicator, leader and pastor …
Me too. Us too.
Seriously, let's get real ...
Coming into this work week I thought, "Here we go—we're praying ... we're full of faith ... our Fishhook team has a lot to figure out and get done and, we're doing it. Awesome! Thanks, God!"
Yet a couple days in—there have been hard situations, competing priorities, very full workloads, questions, some doubt and discouragement.
Simultaneously, there are humble hearts, trust, gratefulness, commitment, listening, eagerness to grow and so much more.
It's difficult to know how to process it all. Pray through it. And how to persevere. God—what do you have for us? God—what part are you asking me to play?
So here's what I/we did ...
At first, I was ready to force it. Get to work. Get things done. Keep going. Say very little.
Then God stopped me in my tracks (but I had things to do—I didn't want to be THIS honest—I was confused).
And He said, "I need you to take a couple hours. Right now. Give yourself some space (I'll figure out your to-do list for you later). You need to: Pray. Journal. Share what you are processing with other leaders. Share with the team. Ask people how they are doing. Ask them what they see, and lean in to process how we can get to a better spot together."
I'll be honest, it's messy and it's emotional, but I believe it's right and we're moving forward. So as I/we are feeling stress, here's the path I have seen work again and again to help our team make progress together.
Years ago, I thought leadership was about aiming to have all the answers and looking and communicating a certain way (basically, having it all together). But now, I've learned that was more about my flesh, ego and pride.
Today? I think leadership and communicating is all about striving to be the most humble version of myself (only possible through Christ) and striving to be open with others. All to serve. All to bring glory to Jesus.
This is a different way of living. Clinging to prayer, not my pride. Looking to God's Spirit. Depending on His strength and provision, not my flesh.
Remember my opening questions?
My answer is YES to all of these. And I see God using everything—all of this—in my life to help me grow in humility, seek Him more, share with others, and be diligent each day with our team and the work He has given.
I trust that this sharing (it's real) is what God is asking of me today! And I pray it is encouraging to you as well. Because God uses everything for His purposes!