My heart often asks: Who is there for Christian leaders? Who can they talk to? Who is their safe place? I also wonder if their denomination has supervision. Some do, some do not. And if they’re in the workforce, where do they go for loving, firm and honest support?
So let me first up define Christian leaders and what they need for their well-being. I believe any Christian who is in leadership - in the secular or church environment leading others in some capacity is what I term, a Christian leader. And as mortals, rather than gods (as some church members see them), they need what we all need. Help when times are tough. There is an enemy out there, intent on bringing us down and importantly leaders are targeted!
What happens when a leader is stretched or stressed? The enemy strikes. If the enemy can bring down a leader, he will bring down not only that person but also their family and flowing on from there, multiple families and people in the workplace or community where these leaders operate. A church leader influences hundreds (or thousands) of people, who could be compromised in their faith. The attack, therefore, is fierce.
Let us also recognise that good leadership should be about many things but within the care space, support by others is critical and early intervention is imperative. We all need flesh and blood people to be there for us. Most of all, Christian leaders.
I am assisting a client right now, a senior pastor, who fell from grace and as a result, lost his job and ministry and now drives a bus. His support seems limited which to my way of thinking is incredibly saddening.
An important but disturbing fact about caring for Christian leaders is that traditionally, the therapeutic environment has not been keen to discuss faith with clients as training has just not been available for therapists. Recent research in 2020, suggests that where there is spiritual support for leadership, then emotional well-being improves and the leaders are more committed to their workplace, creating a better workplace/church for all. With the vulnerability of people in ministerial leadership, it is vital today to provide faith discussions in the therapeutic space, so that it is as natural as discussing other parts of their life.
Let me speak to you leader!
My thoughts and prayers are for you as a leader, particularly if you are struggling right now, so please hear my heart for you as I suggest that you might begin to do some inportant things that could help:
Stay with the basics - prayer and the Word;
Get help – don’t be an island - beware of pride and control– these can be the enemy’s main levers & entry points;
Look for someone you trust to bring truth in love, with non-judgemental and supportive accountability;
Be humble, authentic and open to God’s pruning.
Should you or other/s that you know of need help, please don't hesitate to reach out to me here. If I can be of help I will do what we can together and with the Lord's help. If the care person is not to be me, then I will find someone who can be there for you and bring you to a new day.
God bless
Peta
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