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.
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
- your spiritual health is up to you
- self-care is not selfish, it is good stewardship
- 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)
- 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
- someday your ministry will be gone...hold fast to Jesus...He is our ultimate reward