My wife and I have long given up on helping our kids with math.  I can barely remember memorizing equations for sine, cosine, and tangent from Mr. Ames’ class as a junior in high school, but I couldn’t help you with it.  Not to mention how it seems that “new math” or “common core math” gives multiple pathways to solve the same problem, and memorizing formulas seems passé.

I have noticed a theme among the pastors and ministry leaders with whom I meet—a “new math,” but I’m guessing it isn’t really new.  In talking to these leaders, I hear a curiosity about how sustainable the current level of work is in their respective roles.   I hear from them that they feel forced to choose daily how much time and energy they can give to volunteer leaders, a particular project, a person in need of care, envisioning new ministry, etc…the list goes on and on. 

It’s like a physics problem—how much weight can they carry, when, and for how long?  What should they pick up first, what can they put down, or CAN they put something down?

When I was finishing seminary, I interviewed with a number of churches for associate pastor roles.  I remember a meeting with one group of associate pastors at a particular church—a fairly large one.  They asked me something along the lines of what my ministry philosophy was.  I told them that I felt strongest about investing in one-on-one relationships and small groups.  (Little did I know the trajectory of ministry for me, and how true that is now!) I will never forget the answer of one of these leaders.  He said this:  “Well, you could invest 100% in eight people. That would be 800.  But in a place like this, you’ll need to put 80% into 100 people, and that is 8,000.”  Almost 30 years ago, I remember thinking this meant I might not be a good fit there.  Now, years later, I recognize that the question of investing less of yourself into more people or programs is a constant reality for pastors.

I know that this probably applies to many jobs and professions.  The ability to prioritize, embrace one’s limits, realistically measure return-on-investment, etc.—these are all a part of many job roles.  What I hear is difficult for these leaders is the deep desire to help everyone they can, a sense of calling from God to do that—with accompanying guilt when they feel they fall short—and yet this growing awareness of how utterly exhausted they are.  I often ask them to reflect on the question of what is truly theirs to carry, and whether this promise of Jesus might actually apply to them too:

Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Thank you for giving to me so I can help provide this kind of coaching and care for pastors and ministry leaders.    

I am serving with a ministry called Standing Stone, which has aimed for twenty years to provide a space for free, confidential coaching and care for pastors, ministry leaders, and leaders of every sphere. Standing Stone believes that healthy leaders need companions on their leadership journey, and that healthy leaders will lead healthy organizations that help transform their communities. You can learn more here: https://standingstoneministry.org/shepherd/burke-david/