Sometimes we find ourselves in situations in life where we might feel overwhelmed. It may seem as though giving up is the only way out. Perhaps you are trusting God for a breakthrough in family finance, business, or ministry, or the fulfillment of a prophesy, but the waiting has produced more questions than answers.

Questioning is not wrong as long as you take those questions to the Source of all Truth. The answers will always be right if it is Christ-centered.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the real-life replica of Noah’s Ark in Kentucky with my family and some good friends. What an experience it was! It set a lot of things into perspective for me concerning Noah’s ark; the building, the animals and just day-to-day living on the ark in general.

As I was walking through the ark and taking in the magnitude of the magnificent structure, one of the things that stood out to me was that it took 120 years to build the ark. At that moment I clearly heard God say to me that:

When He gives you an assignment, there is going to be work to be done.

I’m sure that in the 120 years that it took Noah to build the ark, there were a lot of emotional highs and lows – times of victories and times of defeat (or at the very least, times that felt like defeat.) The one thing that is very clear in the story of Noah is this: there was a lot of ridicule and there was a lot of opposition – there were many who came against him.

Noah’s story is not much different than the life and circumstances we find ourselves in today. As sons and daughters of God, we have been given a job to do. We are to be His ambassadors here on earth.

We are supposed to be His voice, His hands, and His feet to the nations.

Statistically, the likelihood that we are the generation that could see the fulfillment of the Great Commission is great. The amount of prophecy that has been fulfilled just in the last 70 years is mind-boggling! How amazing to think that we (or our children) will see Jesus returning on the clouds!

We are to know the signs of the times. The times that we find ourselves in show that the purpose of the attack against the Church is to prevent us from working on and finishing our God-given commission.

Sadly, so many of our brothers and sisters don’t have the discernment to see the principalities that are at work across the world, trying to stop what the Spirit of God is doing. Ephesians 6:12 identifies what our fight is actually against saying,

Like Noah, we need to get out and do the work that necessary to accomplish the task set before us. We will likely face ridicule as Noah did, and we will have to give of our time and resources. Just like Noah, we will have to pay the price to get done what needs doing.

One of the truths that has seen me through the hard times is this:

Jesus never promised it would be easy…But He did promise that He would always be with us!

You may still be in a season of waiting, but don’t think that God has forgotten you. Keep your focus fixed on finishing the task He has set before you, regardless of how long it takes for you to accomplish it. You will see His salvation and your faithfulness will be rewarded for trusting His promise and persevering till the end!

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BATTLING LONELINESS IN CHURCH MINISTRY

BATTLING LONELINESS IN CHURCH MINISTRY

Strategies for Pastors and Leaders

Dr. Dinesh S. Michel

Loneliness is a common human experience that transcends age, occupation, and social status. Even in the context of church ministry, where pastors and leaders are surrounded by a congregation, it’s possible to feel isolated and alone. This article explores the unique challenges of loneliness within church ministry and offers strategies that I myself am using to combat it.

The Loneliness Paradox

At first glance, it might seem paradoxical that individuals in church ministry, who are often surrounded by a community of believers, can experience loneliness. However, ministry can be isolating for several reasons:

Role Expectations:

​ Pastors and leaders are often seen as spiritual guides, and there’s an expectation that they should have it all together. This can make it challenging for them to admit their struggles, including loneliness.

Lack of Peer Relationships:

​ While pastors and leaders have strong connections with their congregations, they may lack close peer relationships within their own ministry circles. They often shoulder the burdens of others but may not have someone to share their own burdens with.

High Stress Levels:

​ The demands of church ministry, including sermon preparation, pastoral care, and administrative tasks, can lead to high stress levels. This stress can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Strategies to Combat Loneliness

  1. Seek Accountability:

    Pastors and leaders should actively seek out mentors or peers with whom they can build accountability relationships. These relationships provide a safe space to share struggles and receive support.

  2. Prioritize Self-Care:

    Ministry can be all-consuming, leaving little time for personal well-being. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care, including regular exercise, rest, and time for hobbies that bring joy and relaxation.

  3. Establish Boundaries:

    Set clear boundaries for work hours and responsibilities. Overextending oneself can lead to burnout and increased feelings of loneliness.

  4. Foster Peer Connections:

    Create opportunities for pastors and leaders within your church community to connect and build peer relationships. This can be done through small groups, retreats, or regular meetings specifically for leaders.

  5. Spiritual Discipline:

    Deepen your spiritual discipline. Regular prayer, meditation of the word, and reflection can provide a sense of connection with God, helping to alleviate loneliness.

  6. Professional Counseling:

    Don’t hesitate to seek professional counseling if loneliness becomes overwhelming. Therapists can provide guidance and support to address these feelings.

Loneliness in church ministry is a real and challenging issue. However, with awareness and proactive steps, pastors and leaders can combat these feelings and create a more supportive and connected ministry environment. Remember that it’s okay to seek help and that you don’t have to battle loneliness alone. By prioritizing self-care, seeking peer relationships, and deepening your spiritual discipline, you can find greater fulfillment and connectedness in your ministry journey.

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Rev. Ron Wood

More Than Equals – Women on Paul’s Team

Let’s examine an important issue in many parts of the Body of Christ. Biblically, “What is the role of women in the church?” As a prophetic reformer, I have an assignment. I’m trying to write my vision and make it plain so leaders can run with it! I’m for church growth, evangelism, and the Great Commission!

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Challenge
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It’s Personal With Jesus

Recently, one morning, I asked the Lord, “What do you want to show me today?” I heard words quoted to me that Jesus had spoken to Mary Magdalene outside the tomb. “Stop clinging to Me for I have not yet ascended to My Father.”

Strange! What could that possibly mean?

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