Dreaming - A Key Element of Healthy Church Leadership
Welcome back readers. Invigorating your imagination and looking forward is an essential aspect of having a healthy church staff. Today, we pose a challenging question: Have You Stopped Dreaming? Inspired by Wade Hodges’s book "When to Leave," let's explore how losing your vision might signal it's time for change.
The Influence of Dreaming on Ministry
Significant ministry outcomes should be fueled by vision and a general sense of excitement about what God is doing in your life and ministry. However, there are times when even the most passionate leaders may feel uninspired. When dreaming about the future feels burdensome, take a moment to understand why you're feeling that way.
Here are four situations where you might find yourself having stopped dreaming:
- Feeling Overwhelmed: Day-to-day demands of the ministry may leave you drained, making it hard to think beyond the next Sunday.
- Reached your Limit: You may feel your calling at your current role is fulfilled, and you're ready for a new challenge. Staying longer might feel like running in place.
- Afraid of Failing: Dreaming, at times, implies taking risks. If fears are holding you back, it's worth reflecting on these inhibitions.
- Stop Believing Change is Possible: Prolonged stuck patterns might make you question - what's the point?
Recognizing these situations doesn’t mean you've failed. These signals are indications that something needs your attention, be it rest, invigoration, or a new direction.
Rediscovering Dreams - Steps to Take
If it feels impossible to dream, here are few steps to reinvigorate your vision:
- Reflect on what energizes you: Prioritize energies that used to light up your current role or day-to-day work. Understand what's missing now.
- Take a break: A short respite could help in clarifying your north star.
- Unleash the Brainstorm: Write down everything you wish to do in your ministry. Don't filter, judge or limit your imagination - dare to dream big.
- Talk to a mentor: Outside perspectives can often help reignite passions or discern if it's time for a new direction.
This week, take an hour to dream. Find a quiet spot, pray, ask God to renew your vision, then write down whatever comes to your mind. Sometimes it only takes a step to jumpstart your dreaming again.
For further insights and discussions on this topic, make sure to listen in on today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode.
Dreaming is the lifeblood of leadership. If you've lost that spark, don't ignore it. Take time to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover your vision, because your ministry, your church's health, and your future depend on it.
