If you’re a ministry leader, you’ve likely faced seasons that test your resilience and faith—what some might call “Valley Seasons.”
It’s during these times when the weight of leadership presses heavy and the light at the tunnel’s end seems elusive.
Yet, it’s also in these valleys where our roots can reach deeper
and our leadership can find new strength.
Step 1: Turn to Prayer Grounded in Scripture
The journey through a challenging period begins with prayer, and not just any prayer, but one deeply rooted in the Word of God. Use Ephesians 3 as your guide.
This passage speaks of strength, love, and the spirit’s power—consider this a blueprint for your communication with God.
- 1. For Strength: Pray that even in your weakness, His strength is made perfect (Ephesians 3:16).
- 2. For Love: Request that your understanding of Christ’s love, which surpasses knowledge, fills you with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19).
- 3. For Power: Ask for the power to grasp the vastness of God’s work and His ability to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Step 2: Seek Solidarity in Solitude
Isolation often accompanies hard times. However, solitude should not be confused with being alone. Solitude is a state of mind and heart not just a location.
Solitude offers a chance to separate oneself from the noise and busyness of ministry to listen to God’s still, small voice.
Need Some Help: Schedule a Free Clarity Call: If you feel alone or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out. Organizations like RestoringLeaders.org offer free clarity calls.
Step 3: Engage in Introspection
Hard seasons are ripe for self-reflection. Examine your actions, your reactions, and your heart. Ask yourself:
- – How am I contributing to my current struggles?
- – Are there habits or toxic thoughts that I need to let go of?
- – What lessons is God teaching me in this season?
Reflective practice allows you to see growth opportunities and areas needing grace.
Step 4: Realign Your Ministry with God’s Design
The challenges might have caused a drift from your original calling or God’s design for your ministry. Revisit your core values and your vision:
– Are you still on the path that aligns with God’s purpose for your ministry?
Step 5: Fight for Margin In Your Life.
Burnout is real, especially in times of trouble. Now more than ever, you must fight for margin. You need to be intentional about building it into your daily schedule.
Establish boundaries for yourself and encourage your team to do the same. If you model it they will copy it!
Step 6: Find Your Timothy and Be A Timothy
Paul and Timothy had an incredible relationship and Paul valued it. He invested in it and the fruit from it was that he was able to multiply his effectiveness and reach more people.
You and I need to seek mentorship and be a mentor. One of the most effective ways to solidify your learning is by teaching it to others.
Coaching other leaders not only reinforces your understanding but also helps build a community where sharing burdens is the norm.
Remember, while the valleys are tough, they are also transformative. As a ministry leader, your role is pivotal not just in your ministry, but in the way you navigate personal trials.
By seeking God, fostering community, and practicing intentional self-care and leadership, you can emerge from this season, perhaps a bit weathered but undeniably stronger and wiser. And in doing so, you set a powerful example for those you lead.
So let these steps guide you, let prayers anchor you, and always press on toward the higher calling with perseverance and faith.
If you need help finding margin so you can build your mission, set up a 30-minute clarity call at www.KMCCoach.net and learn what entering into a personal coaching journey can do for you.
Find yourself in a hard season? Check out my book written for leaders finding themselves in the valley.
