Now that summer is here, we want to remind you that there is a healthy rhythm to leadership work. As leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and forget the purpose and focus of our work. That's why it's important to take a step back and reflect on our goals and how they align with God's will.

What would you do if you were called to be our Pastor?

Without hesitation, I said, "I just want to be part of a healthy church."

1. So, what’s the thing that scares you most as a leader?

2. What’s the thing that worries you in the morning or wakes you with a start?

3. What makes you so acutely anxious that it is contagious to those around you or that it keeps you from being able to take the next courageous step in your leadership?

4. For most leaders the biggest challenge isn’t the meeting or plan that went bad in the middle of the day, but what we do with it in our minds in the middle of the night, right?

5. What makes you wonder if you have what it takes to go on?

If you are reading this in a place where you can pause for a moment, I hope you will do so. 

This often-shared bit of leadership wisdom is from the one who is widely considered the GOAT (“Greatest Of All Time”) of hockey. The key, Wayne Gretzky’s father taught him, was not to skate to where the puck is, but to where the puck is going to be. Anticipate the direction and speed of the puck and get there first.

Get proximate to people who are suffering.” Bryan Stephenson.

In the Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” one line has always spoken to me. Reflecting on the birth of the Savior, carolist Phillips Brooks wrote, “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.” The hopes. The fears.

Not the dreams. Not the vision. Not the stirring speech that motivates, but the hopes and fears. The places of pain and need.

Leaders are visionaries.

At least that’s what we have been told and what we expect of ourselves!

Most of us who lead, love the idea of stirring people to action with a compelling, inspirational vision. A vision that is so beautiful that people rally to serve it, even sacrificially.

Many of my friends, colleagues, and clients who serve as pastors were able to take a sabbatical this past summer. And I am very glad. The renewal that comes from an extended time of several weeks away is real and really necessary.

Most leaders I know need far more rhythms of rest and renewal in their lives in order to lead and minister with deep health for the long haul. I know that I do. To this day, I try to take several weeks of time off for both rest and writing (a deeply restorative activity for me).

You have undoubtedly read articles and blogposts and tweets that lament the changes we’ve encountered during this pandemic. In many of those descriptions you’ve also read that these challenges bring with them opportunities to make positive and lasting changes. You’ve made technical advances, particularly in media and online presence. You may be trying to make significant shifts in your ministry and are being met with resistance. Why is it that good ideas and new directions can’t get traction?

was asked the question twice in one week. The first time on a podcast interview that I did from my home. The second time on a podcast interview that I did on the road.

The first time, I stumbled on the answer. The second time I knew exactly what I wanted to say.

“So, where are you seeing signs of hope in the Church today?”

Honestly, it can sound pretty sad and to start the awkward “do you want to be my friend conversation?” is so humbling. And yet we need it. Our friends are our anvil as we are forged in leadership.