During this entire time, leaders also have a family with all the issues that come with marriage, raising children, extended family, medical issues, and personal finances. After a while, leaders can only take so many body blows. They grow weary. They don’t know how long they can go on.
Then they get on the phone with me and share their story. I understand the pain they face. Maybe not their specific pain but rather the leadership pain which is universal.
I listen. Remind them of the impact they are making. Remind them of how important they are and how much what they do is making a difference. Remind them the world is a better place because they stayed in the game. And then we pray. I hope I encouraged them.
Leaders hurt. Leaders weep. Leaders are afraid. Leaders get knocked down. Leaders fall down. Leaders bleed. But the best leaders just keep getting up one more time.
Leaders, I know you are bleeding. I know you are hurting. I know you feel you can’t get back up. But you can. Leaders, get up. Stand up. Dust yourself off. Bandage your wounds. Now, get back in the game.
We need you. Your people need you. The world needs you. Your family needs you. You are making a difference. Lives are changed because of you.
Thank you for showing up every week. And pastors, thanks for not quitting on Monday.
This article about pastors who want to quit originally appeared here.
