Guest Blogger: Dr. Chris Adams Executive Director Center for Vocational Ministry Azusa Pacific University Senior Research Associate: The Flourishing in Ministry Project University of Notre Dame Keep perspective. God is with us, no matter what happens. The hope of Easter resurrection is alive! The Christian Church is the most resilient movement in history, having survived and even thrived during wars,

Healthy key relationships don’t just happen. They are built over time, flowing out of a healthy well-being, with intentional interactions to develop relationships. In three blogs we have have explored the following builders of healthy key relationships. 1 Experiencing belonging and connectedness. 2 Proactively construct enduring relationships 3 Communicate effectively and transparently Today we explore the fourth builder: healthy conflict

2 things that build trust: Listening and Affirmation Have you noticed that when you talk with emotionally healthy influencers and leaders you feel listened to, affirmed and encouraged? There is something about the way they consistently listen with empathy and speak with clarity that builds trust. You are made to feel safe and valued and that you belong. There are

The gravity that pulls me under The last blog spoke of buoyancy upthrust. Today we examine the gauges that indicate weight that pushes one under. What pulls you down?I call these things depleters. It took about six months to accumulate the list of things that drain my buoyancy. Here are eight depleters I have identified. Conflict I don’t run from

How is your buoyancy? Buoyancy is the ability to float. Also, it’s the cheerful and optimistic attitude or disposition. It’s your verve, your vim, your va-voom. In floating terms, there are two forces at play, weight that pulls down and buoyancy that is upthrust. One of the 5 key gauges to keep watch on is your emotional well-being. This measure

3 more Gauges Continuing on with Thriving through COVID-19, here are some more thoughts on paying attention to your gauges for well-being. Gauges help you know how you are doing, and reflecting on this allows you to make plans to replenish.You are designed to make a difference. Running out of fuel or oil will stop you. Filling your tank gives

In 43 years of ministry/leadership, I have never seen our world under such pressure. COVID-19 has put everyone under immense pressure. Our families, workplace and our neighbourhoods are caught up in it. Our churches have been prevented from gathering indefinitely. Coupled with all this is the demand to reinvent the way we do church and ministry. Can we effectively minister

Cultivating a high awareness of God’s interaction with daily life Burnout affects relationships.Relationships are effected through feeling high detachment. Feelings of high depletion and low satisfaction with life and work compound this. I am so grateful for the key relationships of family and friends that were endured through the difficult and dark time of burnout. Thank you! My wife loved

Part 2 of emotional health and a spiritual vitality that demonstrates a connected relationship with GodThe second area we look at in our connected relationship is our conversation with God. What’s happening when you talk with Him? What effect does that have on you and others? Not only could I not read my Bible during the darkest days of burnout,