Session 5: Unblocking

In our greatest moments, we undervalue our weaknesses and in our worst moments, we supersize our weaknesses into insurmountable walls. In a practical theology of ministry, we can look at 1 Corinthians 12,14 and understand gifting, John 14 & 16 to consider the role of the Holy Spirit in everything we do and Romans 8 for the spirit-filled follower life. Ministry can be a lonely, stressful and difficult work.

Watch this video OR listen to the podcast version from Pastor Vance Pitman, author of The Stressless Life. (33 minutes)

• How do you understand the difference between stressors and stress according to Vance Pitman?

• How do you know that something is normal dealing with stress vs unhealthy stress?

• What most reasonated with you from Pitman's talk?

  
  

• What gave you reason to pause and what brought hope?

For consideration and journaling:

• What are some of the obstacles that you face (skills, gifting, spiritual, etc)? Have you become aware of skills that you would like to improve to better your ministry? Do you have a Sunday afternoon let-down? Do you struggle with believing that others' personal problems are a reflection on your abilities as a ministry leader? How do those obstacles affect your personal well-being? In those darker times, how do they affect your mental health, your physical health, your spiritual health, your relationships? What have you tried (successfully and not) to overcome the effects on your health and relationships? (You won't be asked to share anything you don't want to share)