Back in June of 2006 I was the only full-time pastor on staff of our church of 400+. At the time there was a part time secretary, a bookkeeper, and a 1/4 time Senior Adult Pastor. It was a very challenging and stressful season of ministry for me. This morning I ran across a journal I was writing at the time to try to help me keep my sanity. Here is a peak into June 14, 2006...
"It's 8:14 a.m and I already feel like I am behind. There are 6 meetings with individuals/groups, not counting those that just pop into the office. The meetings will run from 9 a.m.well past 9:00 p.m. Being the only full-time pastor at the church is very stressful. I guess I will just have to take it one hour at a time and not sweat the next hour or the next issue.
I know that it is important that I focus my thoughts and energy on my calling, gifting, passions, and talents. I want to continually place time and energy into preaching but that time is getting crowded out.
When life is coming at you fast, it is hard to get your mind around the big picture. Maintaining focus in the minutia of minor details has to be a learned skill. I guess God is offering me plenty of opportunity to work on the skill of maintaining focus amid the mayhem.
God let me see the big picture. I don't want to miss the forest for the trees. Let me do Kingdom work among all the details. May each small, tedious, sometimes stressful task be done to bring you glory and to benefit your Kingdom. Help me today not to allow the stress to be exhibited in my life in an unhealthy manor. Amen."
Today I have a great team of staff and pastors that I get to work with and they make the burden of ministry so much lighter. Thank you Jill Cunningham, Jenny Lee, Jeff Pfohl, Marggy Hensley, James Pinkerton, Tonya Pinkerton, Debi Howell, and Brian Cline.
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