Pastoring a church is hard. There are people there. This guarantees conflict, disappointment, and suffering. In the same week, pastors can pray with a hurting family in a hospital room, work through challenges with staff, and deal with conflicts between members.

You can add to the list. It is amazing to see the number of day-to-day stress points that arise in a week of pastoral ministry. Many of these things stress us out. Our hearts grow weary and tired of the problems. But we can’t let the immediate strains cause us to lose perspective.

That’s the subject of this week’s newsletter.

Direct Your Eyes

When trials and difficulties rise in pastoral ministry, you must be careful to not let your eyes only focus on those things. You must direct your eyes onto the LORD. Spend daily time in communion with Jesus. You can’t skip it. You need it in order to do your pastoral role. Where you direct your eyes will direct your heart.

If you find your heart burdened by the situations in your church, let it direct your eyes to Christ. Ask Him for help to endure. Remember His Word for you. He is building His church; you don’t have to be the hero. Jesus is. Let Him fulfill His promises. Simply be a faithful servant of Christ to your people.

For every glance at your problems take two glances at Christ.

1 Actionable Tip

Keep your eyes on the truths of God’s Word and the promises He gives that assure you of His work in and through your ministry.

God has you where you are for a purpose. The pains and stresses are real, but they are not ultimate. God is bearing fruit. Don’t forget that these earthly trials are worth nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).

Every time you feel your heart burdened and overwhelmed, get above the fray and look at the big picture. You belong to the King. His Word is accomplishing everything He sends it forth to do. Your labors are not without reward, in this life or the one to come. Jesus’ grace is sufficient for you in all things (2 Corinthians 12:9). Press forward with perspective. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.

Opportunities for Next Steps

1. KJM Student Camps in 2024. I’m excited to announce that Knowing Jesus Ministries is launching our own camps in 2024 called ARISE Camps. Check out the announcement video and join a list of leaders interested in hearing more as details finalize.

2. Student Minister Leadership Lab. We are excited about pouring into student ministry leaders with a practical workshop style event. Join us in Nashville August 3-4^th for coaching and practical help for leading an effective student ministry. Register here.

3. Engaging Truth Conference at Ridgecrest. Join us in the mountains of North Carolina on October 13-15 for our national student conference. We’ll gather with Trevin Wax, Matt Smethurst, Dean Inserra, Neil Shenvi, Abigail Dodds, Katie McCoy, Journey Worship Co. and many more. Register or learn more here.