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EP 202 – MINDFULNESS, NEGATIVITY AND REPLANTING

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EP 202 - MINDFULNESS, NEGATIVITY AND REPLANTING
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Greetings Bootcampers,  we hope you are staying cool, hydrated and ready for a next episode. This time the guys take up the subject of dispensing with negative thoughts. We get it, there are a lot of things that can go wrong as you are leading church renewal. And one of the most difficult aspects of leadership is keeping a positive outlook.

Let’s ground this in scripture:  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.  1 Corinthians 10:3-6

Mindfulness is a research-based practice that involves both dedicated meditation time and present-moment awareness in everyday life. It’s been shown to be helpful for reducing stress, calming anxiety, and improving overall mental and physical wellness.

However, most modern mindfulness research comes from a secular point of view. So our faith in Christ can both enrich and deepen our use of mindfulness. Also, learning to live mindfully will give us more peace, joy, and gratitude in our walk with God.[1]

Here are some suggestions from the guys for keeping your mind centered on God and healthy:

12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[d] 

  1. Regularly present yourself before the Lord – living sacrifice (devotional time, meditation time)
  2. Perform a spiritual audit – “do not be conformed to this world.”
    • What are my concerns, worries, anxieties?
    • What is driving me right now?
    • What is underneath my frustration?
  1. Apply the scripture to the things that God reveals.
  • Pride
  • Worry
  • Bitterness
  • Doubt
  1. Test your attitudes and actions by the truth of God’s word

 

[1] https://www.calminggrace.com/christian-mindfulness-exercises/

Recommended Resource: The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder

Fun Link: Poor Pitiful Me by Linda Rondstadt

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EP 201 -BRAIN FOG AND MINDFULLNESS

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EP 201 -BRAIN FOG AND MINDFULLNESS
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Welcome back Bootcampers! We hope you are doing well.  Every single one of us has on occasion dealt with the challenge of “brain fog” and struggled to do even the most simple of tasks.  Why? Pastoring is a 24/7 job and we never are fully disconnected from the weight of ministry.  Brain drain and fatigue are real, you have to be proactive and get rest.

In a recent survey Pastor’s said:

A study conducted by Soul Shepherding, a Christian leadership training ministry, found the following:

  • 75% of pastors report feeling extreme stress;
  • 90% work an average of 55-75 hours per week.
  • 90% feel fatigued each week
  • 70% struggle with depression.
  • 80% say their ministry has negatively impacted their marriage and family
  • 85% have never had the opportunity to take extended time off.[1]

What can a pastor do when they are just totally exhausted?  The guys break down some practical realities and then offer some solutions.  If you’re tired, worn out and struggling to do the next thing, give this EP a listen.

Truths

  • We love to work-get stuff done and it feeds us (ego, drive, sense of accomplishment)
  • We love to feel needed.
  • Ministry is exhausting-it is never finished
  • We were not made to work and work and work (God mandated a day of rest, for reflection and renewal)

 Application

  • Set a sane work schedule
  • Focus your work according to your wiring.
    • Creative
    • Admin
    • People
    • Meditation/Evaluation
  • Delegate and elevate – you cannot and are not supposed to do it all
  • Establish a daily quitting time (of course respond to emergencies)
  • Fellowship with Jesus (prayer, devotion, meditation)

 

[1] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/church/what-should-pastors-do-when-worn-out-and-weary.html

 

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Episode #15 – Dealing with Depression and Discouragement with Special Guest Mark Clifton

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Episode #15 - Dealing with Depression and Discouragement with Special Guest Mark Clifton
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Mark Clifton, Sr. Director of Replant of the North American Mission Board, stopped by the bootcamp and dropped some great knowledge and advice about how to deal with discouragement and depression as a Replanter.

How can a Replanter stay encouraged and healthy?

  • Unfortunately many don’t.
  • Pastors operate wounded and then wound others-spending $20 on a 10 cent problem.
  • Satan’s number 1 tool against a Pastor is depression/discouragement.
  • The weight of ministry creates a cycle of discouragement and depression that often creates a victim mentality and a context in which operating with emotional intelligence is difficult.

If you find your purpose, joy and meaning in how well your church is doing–you’ll be feeding off the congregation and not feeding them. And you’ll always be searching for Joy.

Find your joy in Jesus alone.

Talk to yourself, instead of listening to yourself.

Should a Pastor admit struggles and weaknesses?

  • You need to be vulnerable as a Pastor, but you also need to be cautious about how and with whom you are vulnerable.
  • Find a group of Leaders (Other Pastors, Director of Missions, Associational Missional Strategist, Elders) who you are living in community with and be vulnerable with them.
  • Be wise about your struggles with the congregation during your preaching.
  • We must remember that we have the Gospel-our trust is not in ourselves but in Jesus.
  • Use your weaknesses and inadequacies to point to the cross instead of using them to garner sympathy. 

What are some other sources of encouragement for a discouraged Pastor/Replanter?

  • Read the Scriptures
  • Read the Puritans
  • Listen to good sermons (Spurgeon, Martin Lloyd Jones)
  • The Valley of Vision
  • Read good biographies
  • Watch historical documentaries
  • Find a Hobby
  • Enjoy your family
    • Two rules for parenting: love Jesus and have fun
    • Don’t unload your church frustrations on your spouse/family.

Relax and remember that the church is the Lord’s, he is the one who will grow it and care for it.

Fight for your joy, the gospel and your church.

Are there some signs that it’s time to consider transitioning away from your church?

  • If the work is destroying your family, faith and your Christian walk-you may need to consider stepping down.

To be honest, some men should not be Pastors, and they need to come to terms with that. They could be called to be a good church leader, a great church member.

Every Pastor must have a clear call from God-or he shouldn’t be pastoring.

Often, in the midst of discouragement a Pastor is prone to choose isolation over community.

Find a good Christian counselor-for yourself and for your congregation. 

If you are a Pastor experiencing serious discouragement please reach out to someone for help today.

Helpful Resources

Revitalize by Andy Davis

Sermons by Martin Lloyd Jones

Medication and Depression by Bob Bickford

Pastor Hotline: 1-844-PASTOR1  (1-844-727-8671)