Reflect on each of these strategies and score yourself 1-10 based on how well you have actually addressed this area in the last 12 months. Select two high priority items. Reflect on practical strategies which would work for you and share these with a mentor or accountability group. Diary the strategies and share the dates for action, arrange a time for accountability with someone and how you will do this.
Ongoing Spiritual Growth
Practising the spiritual disciplines that keep me spiritually fresh and alive. (These are often personality based). Ensuring there is spiritual margin i.e. a supply store of spiritual and emotional fuel for times of unexpected call on reserves.
Detachment from Role
Disengaging from ministry, work activities and responsibilities. Do I get out of role, out of town, out of ministry, from time to time? This is vitally important for a sense of personhood.
Living a Sabbath Rhythm
Taking regular time out for rest, renewal and celebration. Practising daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal, annual and life phase ‘sabbath’ rhythms.*
Enjoying Supportive Relationships
Cultivating supportive and accountable relationships with a soul mate (spouse), peers (insiders and outsiders), and a mentor, supervisor or spiritual director.*
Physical Health
Working on good physical health. Am I getting enough and the right kinds of sleep, nutrition, exercise and recreation?
Psychological Health
Having a periodic counselling tune up. Ministry exposes us to a surprising range of situations, crises and emotional pressures. Can I let go of emotional baggage from interactions with others? A psychological tune up with a counsellor or supervisor can save a leader from burnout. Would I benefit from one at this point?
Priority Management
Planning and managing priorities and projects is a constant challenge for people in ministry – there is always more to be done than resources permit. Do I allocate enough time, energy, money and resources to the right activities at the right time?
Relationship Clarity
Many issues in ministry develop from a lack of clear communication and from poor conflict resolution skills. Do I and others around me know my strengths and weaknesses in leadership, communication, conflict and stress management. Are these ‘up front’ and owned in my team environment.
Laughter and Fun
All of us need to release energy through laughter and fun. How much genuine unwinding fun do I have?
Reflection on Motivation and Drive
We each travel through important phases of spiritual development, marriage and family life, and leadership formation. Phase shifts create significant change and pressure on families, health, and lifestyle. Am I consciously monitoring my own motivations for how much I work and the impact it has on those around me?*