Healthy Leader - Healthy Church

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green…

Psalm 92:12,14

One of our amazing OMN missionaries recently shared with me the noticeable change they observed during their current itineration. “Pastor Bill, our itineration feels different this time compared to four years ago. The churches are healthier, and the pastors seem healthier! They are warmer and much more generous in support and offerings.” I responded, “Thank you for sharing this with me. This affirms that when the local pastor is healthy, the local church will also be healthy.” Isn’t that an encouraging report?

Our Network Mission is to Develop Effective Leaders and Build Healthy Churches and Ministries. I am greatly thrilled by the report and it confirms the work of the Holy Spirit in us all. I commend each OMN minister for their desire to be stronger, effective and healthy in 2020. We are moving in the right direction.

“We lead more out of who we are than out of what we do, strategic or otherwise. If we fail to recognize that who we are on the inside informs every aspect of our leadership, we will do damage to ourselves and to those we lead.” The Emotionally Healthy Leader ― Peter Scazzero

What helps a person remain healthy? In a recent article posted by Intersect Project. “A Bow Always Bent Will Break,” the author provided four brilliant actions that will help a pastor move forward towards being a healthy leader. Here is my adaptation of the helpful post.

• Keep A Guard On Your Heart.
  • Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23This is done by making your relationship with God your highest priority.

• Have A Mentor In Your Life.
  • Find at least one pastor who is experienced beyond your experience and invite them into your life. Allow them to speak into your life. No matter how long you have served, a mentor can help you as you move from season to season as a pastor and leader.

• Make Loving Your Family A Priority.
  • “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family well, how can he take care of God’s church?” 1 Timothy 3:5, Loving your family well by giving them attention, affirming them and helping shape them will bring greater reward that just trying to do “big things” for God.

• Take Care Of Yourself Physically and Emotionally.
  • Be deliberate in eating healthy, exercise regularly, taking a sabbath each week and intentionally nurturing relationships that refill your tank. This will contribute to your overall well-being.

What a great list. Please join me in making 2020 a year of being a healthy leader.

"A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?"

Provers 18:14