Ministry Stress

February 13, 2006 in Influence with 11 Comments

How do you handle stress in the ministry? Great question.

I have chosen to utilize a small group of people that I will communicate with as it relates to dealing with the stress of ministry. You have to know for certain there will be stress in the ministry. Moses dealt with stress, Elijah dealt with stress, David dealt with stress and even Jesus dealt with stress from ministry. I have a group of guys (2, no more than 3) that I will talk with if things get too difficult to process alone. I try not to talk to all of them about any one issue. They are probably more specialized in the area I would talk with them about. (remember the phone a friend from “Millionaire”) I have someone I would call about relational issues, someone about work issues, and someone about personal stuff.

I also try and spend time with my journal and the Word of God. I cannot tell you how many times that God has spoken to me about an area I am stressed about through His Word and by writing out what was going on at the particular moment. Journaling has been a real source for retaining what God has done and is doing in my walk and ministry with Him.

I have chosen not to talk with my wife about stress issues in the ministry when it deals with personalities in the church. I do not want her being tinted by anything I might be dealing with as it relates to someone else. I may tell her about issues, but not people.

I have also began working out on a more regular basis to help with stress and management of my health. These are a couple of the ways I seek to deal with stress in the ministry. There are other ways, but these are my choices.

  • Leigh Bagwell

    I like the concept of having folks to help you process through the different aspects of your life (work, personal, relational, etc.). I tend to hold it all in until I can’t help but to unload on some poor unsuspecting soul. I pray that God will help me idenitify those 2 or 3 folks that He has already placed in my life.

    I also want to second your idea of journaling. I am usually blessed many times – when I write and when I go back and read it over and over. It gives me an opportunity to see what God has done and is doing in my life. I encourage the students I counsel to try it as well.
    This is such an exciting time! I can’t wait to see how God continues to grow us all as He calls us into different areas of service for Him. You all are in my prayers!

  • corey thompson

    Are the people that you speak to all in ministry? If not are theychurch members?
    Corey

  • Kyle Goen

    Corey,
    All of the people in teh Ministry Class have surrendered to ministry or they are sensing a call to ministry and are trying to figure this thing out.

  • George Romano

    Leigh,

    I completely agree with you. I too like the idea of having a small group of people to confide in. One of my concerns was that I would’ve come home to “dump” everything on my wife giving her extra burdens to carry while coloring her view of people or situations.

    The journaling is another good idea. personall, I need to be more diligent in it, but it is so helpful to see where the grace of God has brought you.

    Thank you very much for your prayers. I think that it would behoove us all to add the class to our daily prayers (if not already there) since we’re all in this together.

    Great job, Kyle. Please keep them coming :)

  • Kyle Goen

    “the” in Corey email

  • corey thompson

    No bro I meant the people that you talk to to help with your stressful situations.are they church members? Are the other men in ministry?

  • Kyle Goen

    Corey,
    The people that I talk with are in ministry. They don’t have to be, but they have to understand what ministry is about and the need to be confidential.

  • Leigh Bagwell

    This question is tied to stress – as our level of stress and anxiety should be directly related to the depth of our faith in God. Yesterday’s “Fresh” devotional included a statement that caught my attention (probably convicted is a more appropriate term.) The concept was that God would test our faith to see if we’re using it to be in control or to trust His control. I am trying to get my mind wrapped around using my faith to be in control. What are some of your thoughts about that? I was also reminded of what Kyle has said many times – faithfulness, as well as all gifts – comes from the Spirit. Thankfully I don’t have to conjure it up on my own. That has brought me great comfort this week – particularly as the mountains stay stubbornly in place!

  • Brittany Greene

    I am so excited that I finally figured this blogging stuff out. Hope this tidbit helps:

    When I feel stressed out, I usually journal and get into God’s word. One scripture that has encouraged me to do so is Exodus 16:32:

    “And Moses said, this is the thing which the Lord commandeth, fill an omer of it to be kept for generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.”

    My journal is my omer, and now that I have a blog site I am going to call it my “Omer of Manna” as well. I fill it with all my worries, joys, questions, doubts, fears, and prayers. I love to go back and look through it to see how God has answered prayer or grown me in my faith. I hope that one day I will be able to share it with my generartions and they will be encouraged by it to seek their own personal relationship with Christ.

  • George Romano

    Leigh,

    I completely agree with you. I too like the idea of having a small group of people to confide in. One of my concerns was that I would’ve come home to “dump” everything on my wife giving her extra burdens to carry while coloring her view of people or situations.

    The journaling is another good idea. personall, I need to be more diligent in it, but it is so helpful to see where the grace of God has brought you.

    Thank you very much for your prayers. I think that it would behoove us all to add the class to our daily prayers (if not already there) since we’re all in this together.

    Great job, Kyle. Please keep them coming :)

  • http://n/a MARY AND RICHARD

    Receive much greetings from us here in the name of Jesus Christ. we are very much happy with your teachings through your website and we have a greed to join you with my church. Kindly i invite you to come and teach us here and establish your ministry. May God bless hope to hear from you soon.

    With love in Christ,

    Pastor Richard.