How is Your Backstage Leadership?

Lance Witt was an executive pastor at Saddleback Church who now has a ministry called Replenish.  He loves those who serve on the front lines of ministry and is committed to helping them stay healthy and "finish well".  His Replenish book is a must read for those in ministry.  He comes several times a year to minister to our church staff.  I am thankful for the times he has met with me and encouraged me in my personal journey.

He recently shared with us about "Backstage Leadership."  I asked him if I could pass along the notes to you so here they are.

"Dear friend, I pray that you enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."  -3 John 2

Front stage = public world of leadership
Back stage = private world of leader

You must live well if you are going to lead well.

Eventually what is going on backstage will leak into the front stage.

Moving Toward a Healthy Soul
1. Identify the toxins that are poisoning your soul.
  • don't let your ministry become your identity
  • some of very things that can give you "success" in ministry can wreck your soul
2. Take personal responsibility. (Deuteronomy 30:11-20)
  • your spiritual health is up to you
  • self-care is not selfish, it is good stewardship
3. Pursue Jesus first.
  • read God's Word relationally not just informatively
  • never lose sight of the fact that the box (ministry) is not as valuable as the gift (Jesus)
4. Listen to His voice. (Mark 1:35)
  • create space to hear His voice
  • spiritual disciplines help create this space
  • you can't live at warp speed without warping your soul
  • Jesus stood strong in public because He stood still in private
5. Hold fast to Him.
  • someday your ministry will be gone...hold fast to Jesus...He is our ultimate reward
Check out Lance's website for more great resources to help keep your soul and ministry healthy.