In today’s blog, Kyle Strobel and John Coe specifically address vocational ministry in their fourth path/
Path 4: To those in ministry. Many people, Kyle and John observe, come to seminary in consolation. Or they begin their ministry in consolation. But once they establish the regular rhythms of ministry, they find themselves in the desert. So, they faithfully grind away and trust that the Lord is at work. However, this turns out to be a very lonely place
Furthermore, in desolation even the visible fruit of ministry begins to feel like dust and straw. For Kyle and John, however, this made the most significant difference later on. That they walked through these seasons in contexts where they could go to someone and open their hearts to them. To trust that the other person heard, saw, knew, and supported them. Sadly, Kyle and John note, for many this isn’t the case.
In conclusion, the authors make this astute observation regarding church leaders:
“Leaders often bear the weight of their spiritual life in a way that leads them away from the truth because they have internalized the idea that they need to at least look like they have it all figured out. The weight of leadership often stifles one’s honesty, because it feels too difficult to name the truth and keep going, especially with the possible criticism and misunderstanding that may follow.”
Today’s question: As a called church worker, how does the weight of ministry expectations impact you or a colleague? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Confusion of the desert, desolation”