The Session: 3 Essential Keys to Thrive in Ministry

We are continuing our celebration of Pastor Appreciation Month on the Session with this episode's 3 Essential Keys to Thrive in Ministry.  If you have an idea for a topic for us to discuss, please email scott@risefmohio.com!

3 Essential Keys to Thrive in Ministry from Loganleadership.com

A vital relationship with God

The first key is, Who’s helping you explore this?

·  Where do you experience his presence in your life?

·  Praying scripture can be helpful. Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He lets me rest.” Peace came. Isaiah 40:31 also helped me. “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

·  “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:10 A Father/child relationship is developed. The fruit of God's Spirit is cultivated.

Deep Connections

The second key to thriving is deep connections. Yes, it’s loving God and loving people.

·  How are the quality of your connections?

·  Close family members who would pray with the pastor

·  Quality relationships are a must!

·  Having a mentor can be a normalizing voice in a storm.  (AND HELP YOU CELEBRATE SUCCESS!!!)

·  Collegial support is highly important. When your colleagues walk with the same lamp, you do can be very helpful.  (SCOTT THOUGHT: WHAT IN THE WORLD DOES THIS MEAN???)

·  Messages like “you will get through this” give strength and courage.

·  What friendships are you investing in?

Live your assignment

The third key is to live a purposeful life.

What I am here for?

·  Evaluating oneself and comparing yourself to other pastors can be very deflating.  (SCOTT THOUGHT:  NEVER EVALUATE YOUR MINISTRY ON MONDAY)

·  Empower others to help people be all that they were created to be and do everything they were made to do can be very fulfilling to the pastor.  (AND CELEBRATE SUCCESS WITH THEM!)

·  Are you living what God called you to do? It is important to rediscover that calling, passion, and heart.  (SCOTT THOUGHT: A SABATACAL MIGHT BE HELPFUL)

·  Pray for restoration and God’s Eagles wings to carry you and renew your strength.

A COUPLE OF PRACTICAL THINGS WE CAN DO TO HONOR OUR PASTORS:

GIFT CARD TREE (DECORATE A LIT CHRISTMAS TREE WITH GIFT CARDS)

SEND THEM AWAY FOR A WEEKEND WITH NO KIDS

WE WOULD LOVE TO TALK ABOUT TOPICS YOU WANT DISCUSSED!  WE ARE LOOKING AT TOPICS AROUND CHRISTMAS NOW.  IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES RELATED TO FAMILY OR FAITH OR FUN AT CHRISTMAS, PLEASE LET US KNOW.  EMAIL SCOTT@RISEFMOHIO.COM.