Today’s video blog I am chatting with Dr Chris Adams, Associate Professor and Executive Director, Center for Vocational Ministry AZUSA Pacific University. I met Chris when he was presenting in the “Health of a Leader” D.Min class at Fuller Seminary. Chris shares from his extensive research keys to flourishing in ministry. We flourish through growing self-awareness. How to build self-awareness?

I asked my builder if I could help lay the timber floor for our new house. Graciously he consented if I completed a health and safety course. I got my white ticket and enjoyed making a difference. Our spotted gum floor looks wonderful. There is no white ticket for my industry. Do you know where the hazards and risks are

Myth: If they are doing God’s will the staff will not get physically or emotionally sick. Myth: We don’t need to look after them, that’s God’s job. Debunked: Paul the apostle stated that his ministry to the Galatian church commenced when he was sick, and he was looked after by them. “Surely you remember that I was sick when I

What are your holidays like? What is the word that comes to mind? Rest and fun, or stress, or a distant memory, or non-existent? 1. Know the purpose of the holiday. Holidays are about rest, fun and building deep connections. It’s a time for creating memories. The shared experience of this time together allows people to grow closer. Holidays with

How do you prepare for your holidays? 1. Put it in the calendar. Early in my ministry life I learnt to set the date in the calendar in the first round of entries for the coming year. In planning the coming year, along with the things you can’t change—weddings, anniversaries, school, uni, required work commitments like must attend conference—holidays need

The numbers game Over a coffee, one of my Pastor friends was lamenting the recent low attendances in his church. “It must be the school holidays,” he said, “people go away.” He was obviously a little discouraged. It’s funny how the numbers affect us. We are up when they are up, and down when they are down. Get a group

Remove the shame I was embarrassed to admit that I was moderately depressed. It was much easier to admit to high stress and low anxiety in my burnout. It felt ok to acknowledge the high stress, as it came with a false badge of honour awarded by a busy life. My embarrassment over depression came from a wrong understanding of

KEITH FARMER’S STORY – burnout, recovery and mentoring Today’s guest blogger: Dr Keith Farmer. I had been in full-time ministry for 11 years (in two churches in Sydney) when I accepted a dual ministry in Melbourne (half-time as an Associate Pastor in a local church and half-time as a Faculty Member of a Theological College). My teaching areas were Pastoral

Values and relationships Discovering what you value and believe will have an impact on your relationships. If you are are a single person, it will help you to know with whom to build connections and what importance you place on existing connections. If you are in a relationship, it will help you understand how to strengthen your relationship. Adrienne and