A Space Just for You
Okay, some non-pastors may sneak in here, and frankly, they may identify with some of these issues as well, but this is for those leaders who intentionally advance the kingdom of God on behalf of a community of people.
Recent Testimonial from an Executive Pastor
I have been a pastor for 11 years and during my ministry I had hit some very low times. I came to a place where I challenged God to either show up, or I was going to be done, and not just done with ministry but with God. I was so wounded and held captive by my own lies and agreements that Freedom did not seem possible. Then the Father showed up in amazing ways. The message of Freedom and Restoration (The Gospel) is a message that allowed me to find joy and the abundant life that the Father had offered. This message has radically changed me personally, my marriage, my family, and my ministry. I can now pastor out of Freedom.
I Am Done offers this message to all who are ready to receive the message of Freedom. I first met Joseph Badger when I asked him to come and speak at a youth retreat I was leading. Joseph offered the message of Restoration and Freedom to the students, and so many of them heard the Father for the first time. It was stunning and beautiful to see their lives change. If you are a pastor, or anyone who is wondering why you don’t feel the abundant life, the freedom, the joy, and the victory that was promised in Scripture, then come to one of I Am Done’s events and meet the Father in a way that you never have before. It will revolutionize your world.
Your calling may be the most important in the world
Yes, being a parent is essential, and there are roles we would miss, like surgeons or teachers, but you literally are fighting for the eternal disposition of souls. Within this world you have your own challenges.
What happens if my people find out I struggle in certain areas? How many pastors have feared being “found out”? For example, everyone knows that every human has struggles, but can it actually be discussed? And what if others found out that I’ve argued with my wife and kids? What if they knew I struggled with some scriptures? Is it possible to actually lead with a limp, as Dan Allender writes, and garner more trust and support as a result. But, oh the risk.
There is no way I can get all of this done. So many people think we only work on Sundays, but they have no idea about the endless committees, the hidden agendas, the need to shepherd so many broken people, the fear about money or resources, the harsh emails or comments after a service, the overwhelming everything. Be missional, be evangelical, be communal, be current, be multi-generational, reach millennials, respect the procedures of our denomination, have answers to the struggles of our culture, create every ministry, speak every word, lead every event, lead perfectly, and never do it wrong while being humble and courageous.
What if I do get it wrong? What if I say or do the wrong thing? What if my words or actions hurt someone? What if my take on theology was wrong? What if I offend another culture, generation or gender? And what if I mishandle issues that might cause persecution?
It is going way too fast. We need to address the opioid problem, broken families, financial ruin, rampant divorce, teen suicide, young adults walking away from the church, internal strife, hurricane relief support, complaints from my board, and so much more. And we need to do all of it NOW!
I can’t do this anymore. I am done. Burnout among pastors is tremendously high as it is tough to own that much responsibility while having to be perfect. I can’t satisfy everyone, and as I struggle at church, what about my family, my wife, my kids, or even my own heart?
Who do I go to? If I bring my troubles to my leaders, will they think me a failure and replace me? The same goes for my congregation. I could never tell my wife the harsh things people at our own church say about me, and even her — she’d never be able to walk in there again. And my kids, how do I protect them from the reality of what they’ve seen at our church? They’ve seen the ugly as well as the beautiful. Who can I talk to that I can trust? Who is for me? The last person I spoke with “confidentially” shared it with someone in his or her “trusted circle”. Soon it was on Facebook. Guess I am on my own.
Would you, as a pastor, want to engage in a time where you not only are not asked to lead, but you aren’t allowed? An event designed for your own healing in a way that is safe, peaceful, authentic, and kind, per other pastors. A place where you get to exhale. You are not there to learn how to do “it” for others, but simply to allow this to be a kindness towards your own heart. No one needs to know your role. You get to “just be” with others willing to offer to you and for you. Sound possible? Check us out.