How do we stay healthy as creative leaders?
First, we have to remember that our spiritual health is our responsibility, not the responsibility of someone else. God is speaking to us. The truth is that most of us are probably educated way beyond our obedience. Make sure whatever the disciplines are that help you connect to God is part of your daily flow. For me, it is music and being outside. If I don’t intentionally make those things happen, I can feel myself drift. I fight to find these moments. Another issue we have as creative leaders is our exposure to Sr. Leadership. We see a different side of the pastor than most. While this can be healthy at times, it also can be detrimental. Your pastor is a gift and is being used by God. Even when he does not like your work, it does not make him less of a pastor. Serve him and serve him well.
I have also found it is super valuable to use “off times” to refuel. Vacations, rehearsals, online services, times when I am not “on” or responsible can be vital for my personal development and growth. God is near. He is talking to you and reaching out to inspire you. He is waiting for you to respond. Slow down and listen. Further, remember that Tuesday is just as sacramental as Sunday. Everything we do is “unto the Lord.” Our work is an act of worship. When this becomes our posture, our meetings, our volunteer interactions, and even our emails can take on a different context!
God did not ask you to serve him in ministry to leave you. He cares about you, a lot. He loves you more than you could imagine and has crafted you in His image. He has ideas for you, plans for you, and inspiration for you. Tune yourself into him. Find His spirit and focus on what He is trying to do through you, but more importantly TO you. God cares a lot more about who you are becoming than he does about what you are making. Each of us has a different type of relationship with God, but we all have a relationship. Take the time to listen and learn. Your best days are ahead.
