This past weekend I ran into a former volunteer who had been instrumental in my early years of ministry. It would be late nights, the teens were all gone, and he and I would sit in the parish kitchen eating leftover pizza and talking about the night. He was much older than me, but what I appreciated most was his willingness to just be present. When I was feeling good, he affirmed it. When I was feeling down, he listened. He had wisdom to share, but it was his presence that made all the difference.
I think about him often, because what he gave me is exactly what so many ministry leaders are missing.
One of the reasons many of us struggle or constantly feel burned out is because of how alone we feel. When you are facing the challenges of ministry on your own, the weight can be paralyzing. When we hold onto the burden instead of delegating and inviting others into the mission, we spread ourselves thin and slowly lose steam.
If that sounds familiar, here are three places to start.
There is something simple but powerful about grabbing a cup of coffee or a bite to eat with another ministry leader. It is a chance to share stories, ask questions, and experience solidarity with someone who gets it. When I was in parish ministry I tried to do this at least once a month. It can be with the same person or you can rotate among a few. Either way, creating that consistent connection gives you a moment to step out of the trenches and remember you are not alone.
I belong to two networks that have connected me with so many wonderful ministry leaders, NFCYM and TENx10. There can be a fee involved, but the return on that investment is real. You gain access to new resources, opportunities to collaborate, and relationships with people from a wide array of backgrounds and contexts. It is through these connections that I have found not just support, but the push I needed to keep growing.
How well do you actually know your team? Whether you have volunteers or paid staff, investing in community at that level matters more than most leaders realize. Start small. Open your meetings with a quick prayer. Plan a night out bowling or trivia. Set up a group chat on a third-party app. None of these take a lot of time, but together they build something real.
Here is the thing. If you want to grow a relational ministry, you have to practice being relational yourself. You cannot give what you are not living. Jesus did not send the disciples out alone. He sent them two by two, because God designed us to be in relationship with Him and with one another. That is not just a nice idea. It is the model.
The work you do matters too much to carry alone. Find your people, invest in those relationships, and watch how it changes not just you, but the ministry you lead.
If you are not sure where to start, reach out to us. Join one of our cohorts or get connected with a coach.