When you’re in church leadership there are many scenarios that put you on guard.
Someone texts “We need to talk” without giving any context. The default conclusion is that something is horribly wrong. You notice staff members are having a meeting after the meeting. You feel a sense of shame for not having thicker skin after letting inevitable criticism get to you. Imposter Syndrome has you in its grip as you listen to your inner critic rather than the voice of God. Someone violates your unspoken values.
Pastor and leadership coach Steve Cuss joined Ben and Lynley for this important conversation about the triggers that prompt insecurity and anxiety in us. This episode offers biblically rooted exercises and conversational tools to navigate these challenges in a healthy way.
Got feedback, questions, or ideas for a future episode? Email us at president@lifeway.com.
Listen and subscribe on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Quotes from this episode:
“Catastrophizing is the evidence that we’re in anxiety’s grip. We need to let God speak to what is true.”
“Sometimes criticism is a gift for us because we might really need to hear it.”
“If pastors don’t have friends outside the church they can call any time, you’re in grave danger. Otherwise the spouse ends up carrying more than they should.”
“When someone criticizes us it’s much healthier to process grief and pain than to stop thinking we should know better by now. We need to admit we’re thin-skinned and petty.”
“Some people don’t acknowledge that the pastor is a human being. And the pastor doesn’t realize he’s a human being, either.”
“There are certain church cultures that encourage indirect communication—talking about someone rather than talking to them. Secrecy breeds anxiety.”
“We have to die to our need to be understood. I think that’s the number one thing Jesus is calling us to die to. When we’re misunderstood or misrepresented, our temptation is to use more content, more words.”
“The idea that we shouldn’t be judgmental is impossible. What we should do is not let our judgement stop us from emotionally and spiritually connecting with other people.”
“Leaders believe we should be the example of knowing what to do. But we need just need to acknowledge that we’re responsible.”
Links:
Visit Steve on Instagram.
Follow Steve on Twitter.
Check out Steve’s website.
Show Credits:
Executive Producer: Joy Allmond
Produced and Edited by: Angie Elkins Media
Original Music by: Robert Elkins
Sound Engineering by: Dale Sandberg
Art Work by: Cameron Spooner