Jim Martin's Encouragement Note #112
On the brink of the next chapter . . . All night long . . . When leadership becomes joyful . . . What do you do with your worry? (Especially for ministers & other church leaders) . . . Etcetera
The List of Five
On the Brink of the Next Chapter
Just a few days ago, on August 30, I took my final steps out of Harding School of Theology in Memphis. This was also the final day of the school’s sixty-six years in Memphis, Tn. The school has relocated to Searcy, Arkansas. This marks not just an institutional shift but a significant personal transition for me.
At the Moment, I Feel so Much Gratitude
For the trust placed in me by the Harding University president over ten and a half years ago. He invited me to participate in this work.
For the many, many rich conversations with HST students, alumni, and various ministers from across the country. I was often so enriched and encouraged by these conversations.
For the opportunity to serve with some wonderful colleagues, both faculty and staff.
For friends and mentors who gave me their counsel, advice, and experience. So often one or more of these people helped me navigate my way through various challenges.
For our graduates who are making a significant investment in congregations throughout the world.
For the blessings of God upon this school, so evident in its sixty-six years of service in Memphis.
Into the unknown
When I left the HST campus, I stepped into a new phase of my life. I’m not sure whether to refer to this as “semi-retirement” or “not quite retirement.” I actually like David Brook’s term “Encore” to describe this time of life. This “Encore” moment has possibility and purpose.
In the meantime, I plan to “lay low” from September through December. I see this as a sacred pause. This will be a time of discernment, reading, prayer, and doing a few things I have deferred until now.
I am approaching this “pause” with curiosity, as to what I might learn. I anticipate a few surprises. I am eager to pour into my four grandchildren and others.
I look forward to the next chapter, not with mere optimism, but with the hope that I have been given in Jesus.
All Night Long
Psalm 27:13-14
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
It was just past midnight. My friend and I had driven to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital. Another friend’s dad had been involved in a serious car accident and was in the emergency room. We were there to be with our friend and his family.
As the night wore on, the dimly lit waiting room seemed to be a place where small clusters of people gathered and then left. Each group was absorbed in waiting for news about their loved one. Some fell asleep in the oversized chairs, while others were engaged in conversation throughout the night.
Occasionally, a doctor or nurse would appear and the last name of a family would be called. The family would gather, bracing themselves for news.
Despite our varied circumstances, we all had one thing in common. Waiting.
Some waited for their family member to be released from the ER, eager to take that person home.
Some anxiously awaited news about the severity of their loved one’s condition.
Some waited, knowing their family member might not live through the night.
There are season when you may find yourself waiting.
Waiting on the Lord (Psalm 27:14). You lean into your faith in God, trusting him even in uncertainty.
Waiting with another. You are not alone. You are surrounded by others, sharing your burden.
Waiting to serve. You are aware that this period of waiting is preparing you for a new service or ministry.
How does this waiting form and shape your character and faith? How does this waiting serve to increase your sense of dependence on God? What are you learning about patience or resilience?
When Leadership Becomes Joyful
Paul urged the Philippians to serve others with joy.
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish in a crooked and perverse society..." (Philippians 2:14-15)
Those who refresh and encourage others can themselves be refreshed with joy.
"For I derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you." (Philemon 1:7)
The Wellspring of Joy
The indwelling Spirit of God produces fruit that nourishes and blesses both a leader and a follower.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness..." (Galatians 5:22)
Joy in leadership isn’t a feeling that eventually may come or go away. Rather, it is the fruit of God’s Spirit that gives us stamina, energy, and fuel to navigate through our challenges.
Leadership is often very difficult. When there is a crisis:
Our emotions may run high. Someone says, “I am on edge.”
Our morale may decline. Someone says, “What’s the use in trying”
Our entire being may feel exhausted. Someone says, “My tank is on empty”
So how can leadership be joyful in the face of difficulties?
Lead with humility. We don’t have everything figured out and we still have a lot to learn. We have learned and we are still learning.
Follow the Spirit of God, remembering that he is leading, guiding, and is out in front of us.
Joyful leadership does not come about by leaders glibly saying, “It’s all good” when talking about their congregation. Rather, joyful leadership comes when leaders tap into a deep well - the Spirit of God. We can experience the fruit of this Spirit, including his joy, in whatever we do. Maybe something here might be helpful to you.
What Do You Do With Your Worry? (Especially for ministers and other church leaders)
You stand before your congregation. To many people you may look strong, confident, and knowledgable.
Yet, loneliness often lurks nearby casting its shadow on the minister, pastor, shepherd, and the elders. For me, this loneliness was often most intense on Sunday night.
You may be a part of a wonderful church. Yet, if you are in one of the above roles, you know what it is to deal with difficult challenges.
A Bible school teacher’s adultery.
An elder’s explosive temper.
A minister whose affection for the congregation has diminished and who is now obviously just going through the motions.
Yet, you are not alone in this struggle.
I heard Steve Cuss refer to a wonderful tool he found helpful to address this. He suggested processing through a situation with these three questions:
What is yours to carry?
What is theirs to carry?
What is God’s to carry?
Perhaps you are worried or anxious about a family member, a work project, or a church situation.
What is yours to carry? What is your role, your job, or your responsibility in this situation? Your task may be to manage your own emotions and behavior instead of reacting. Or, your task may be to speak in a calm voice even though the people around you are highly anxious.
What is theirs to carry? A particular decision may belong to others. You are not responsible for someone else’s feelings or functioning. You are responsible for how you behave and how you function. This is a reminder that at times we may worry about things for which we have absolutely no control.
What is God’s to carry? What is completely in God’s hands? I have found passages such as Philippians 4:4-9 both helpful and encouraging.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Etcetera
From Oliver Burkeman in the Imperfectionist - “What Would It Mean to be Done For the Day?”
Really enjoyed Joan Chittister’s book, The Gift of Years.
I read Austin Kleon’s newsletter each week. Recently, he published a “Typewriter interview with Elisa Gabbert.” I love the exchange between these two writers. I particularly enjoyed the exchange below. Gabbert’s response is in yellow.
I formerly served as Vice President of Harding School of Theology, Memphis, Tennessee. Prior to this, I served as a minister in various congregations for 36 years.
I am a husband, father, and grandfather. One of my favorite things to do is to come alongside another person and encourage her or him.
Every other Monday morning, I publish this “Encouragement Note.” You can subscribe at jimmartin.substack.com. You can also find me on Facebook - @jim.martin or Instagram - @jimmartin.jm. My e-mail address is: jmartin9669@gmail.com. Feel free to write. I would love to hear what is encouraging. — Jim Martin
Bill, thank you very much for your note. Your words are life-giving to me today. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Bill. I have great respect for you!
Mary, thank you so much for your very kind and encouraging comment. Your words mean a lot to me. I appreciate you. - Jim