Replenish: Developing Spiritually Healthy Leaders

I recently talked with a pastor of a large church who was concerned that his staff was losing their passion for people.  He feared that they were spending more and more time in front of a computer screen and less and less time in front of a person.

I’m sure Aaron must have struggled with this just like we do.  I’m sure there were days when he came to the church, put on his breastpiece, carried out his ministry assignment… but his own heart was far from the people.  I am sure there were days when he just went through the motions. I’m sure there were times he felt the breastplate was cumbersome, heavy, even a nuisance.  Surely he could get the job done faster and more efficiently if he wasn’t wearing the breastplate.

There have been lots of days when I wanted to hide out in my office and not have to deal with anybody.  There have been plenty of times when the people weren’t on my heart, but they sure were on my nerves.  I suspect you know exactly what I’m talking about.

But I don’t want to stay there.  I know that to be a faithful pastor I have to love people. Too many times I have had the head of a leader, but not the heart of a shepherd.  The challenge is trying to stay healthy enough that I can REALLY love people.

When life and ministry moves too fast, the personal care and attention of those on our team tends to be one of the first things to go.  Without even being aware of it, our mindset toward people can slowly begin to change.  Instead of seeing them as people, we can begin to view them as tools to help us accomplish a job.  Even though all vision is ultimately about touching and impacting PEOPLE, we can do it in a way that is very impersonal.  Think of how ironic it is to have a vision that is about people that ultimately devalues people.  Leadership that is Christ-honoring is never accomplished at the expense of those on our team.

Just like Aaron would carry the people of Israel before the Lord, I want to challenge you to do the same.  One of the quickest ways to soften your heart toward people is to pray for them.  Would you consider praying… by name… for one person God has called you to  lead.  And because I know how easy it is for this to fall off our radar, maybe you could take one minute and pray right now… before you go back to your day.  May the people you lead always be on your heart.