Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. (Hebrews 12:15)

As you begin to wrestle with your thoughts and feelings about the current state of your ministry and the world we find ourselves in, one emotion that you must wrestle to the ground is RESENTMENT.
Resentment – bitter indignation at have been treated unfairly – is poisonous and detrimental to your life and ministry.

1. Resentment keeps you from believing you have agency or personal responsibility over your own life. If you believe that your life, calling, and success is completely out of your control and at the complete mercy of others your bitterness will turn to despair. 
2. Resentment creates distance in your relationships  with everyone around you. This distance isn’t just between you and the people you perceived have wronged you but resentment will begin to affect even those closest to you. Resentment closes you off from relationships because your ability to trust (the most important relational capital) is stunted.
3. Resentment ultimately causes you to remain stuck where you are because the roots of bitterness are so strong you cannot move forward from your hurts.

How have you seen RESENTMENT play out in your life and ministry? How have you seen God’s grace breakthrough and help you deal with RESENTMENT in your life?

3 MORE REASONS PASTOR’S ARE CONSIDERING LEAVING MINISTRY from Barna Research reveals that pastors…

1. are Unhappy with the effect this role has had on their family 
2. are Not Optimistic about the future of their church
3. Believe that their vision for the church conflicts with the church’s direction 

The interesting thing about these three are that they are TIED for 4th place on the list (29%). In my work with church leaders, I would say that these are THE reasons I’m hearing rumblings in their confidence about remaining in ministry. In these conversations these issues have come to the surface because of a TOXIC CULTURE within their church. A culture that doesn’t take care of its people. A culture that wants to return to some “golden era” or is content with remaining stuck. A culture that would rather pursue the ways of American christianity than pursue the Kingdom. In these situations, the pastor feels as though they have no ability to change the situation. That’s a recipe for burnout and resignation.

What can we do to change TOXIC CULTURES within our churches? How can we help protect our ministry staff from becoming a statistic?

Barna has identified the TOP 3 REASONS PASTOR’S ARE CONSIDERING LEAVING MINISTRY (March, 2022). They are…

1. The immense stress of the job (56%)
2. Feeling lonely and isolated (43%)
3. Current political divisions (38%)

Two of these are not changing anytime soon (1 & 3) but you can take steps to move beyond feeling lonely and isolated. You can join a gym (BJJ or Crossfit have community baked in), call that friend across town, or partner with a coach to listen to and encourage you (Hi! ? ). Life change happens in relationships. It’s true for those we love and lead… It’s true you.

What is at stake if you remain lonely or isolated? What difference would intentionally cultivating friendships have on your well-being and leadership?