In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin Gray shares insights on maintaining health as a ministry leader. This is the third part of the series "What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor." Pastor Derwin discusses the importance of taking sabbaticals, establishing a weekly Sabbath, having mentors, peers, and mentees, and staying physically fit. These practices are essential for sustaining a healthy ministry and personal life, allowing leaders to serve effectively and joyfully.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Sabbatical and Study Breaks: Pastor Derwin emphasizes the importance of taking extended breaks, such as a seven-week summer sabbatical, to recharge and prepare for future ministry work. These breaks are not just for rest but also for spiritual renewal and planning, allowing leaders to be proactive and organized.
• Weekly Sabbath: A weekly Sabbath is a day of delight and rest, not boredom. It’s a time to engage in activities that refresh the soul, such as hobbies or spending time in nature. Pastor Derwin shares his personal practice of fishing on his Sabbath, which reinvigorates his spirit.
• Mentorship and Community: Having mentors (a "Paul"), peers (a "Barnabas"), and mentees (a "Timothy") creates a cycle of learning and teaching that enriches personal and spiritual growth. Mentors provide wisdom and experience, peers offer mutual support, and mentees allow leaders to pass on their knowledge.
• Physical Fitness: Staying physically fit is crucial for mental health and overall well-being. Resistance weight training, in particular, helps maintain mental clarity and emotional stability. Pastor Derwin shares his journey of rediscovering the importance of physical fitness after his NFL career and how it benefits his ministry.
• Living from Affirmation: Leaders should live from the affirmation of being loved and approved by God, rather than seeking approval through their work. Understanding that righteousness comes from Christ allows leaders to serve from a place of grace and security.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

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In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin Gray delves into the essential skills needed for effective pastoral leadership, focusing on engaging in difficult conversations. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical principles, Pastor Derwin offers practical advice for ministry leaders and followers of Jesus who are committed to discipleship and mentoring. This episode is part of a series titled "What I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Became a Pastor," providing insights that transcend specific ministry roles and apply to all believers.

Here are a few of the practical things you’ll learn in this episode:

• The Importance of Difficult Conversations: Engaging in difficult conversations is crucial for anyone in ministry. Avoiding these conversations can lead to greater issues later on.
• Character Over Celebrity: Ministry is not about fame or celebrity status but about developing Christ-like character. Holiness and the fruit of the Spirit are paramount.
• Practical Tips for Difficult Conversations: Never Raise Your Voice: Maintain a gentle and calm demeanor, even when discussing challenging topics.
• Never Have a Difficult Conversation Alone: Always have another ministry leader present to ensure clarity and accountability.
• Security in Christ: The more secure you are in your identity in Christ, the more maturely you can handle difficult conversations.
• Biblical Foundation: Referencing 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Pastor Derwin emphasizes the importance of character and self-control for church leaders.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the cultural context of your audience and adapt your communication style accordingly.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.

In this episode of the Transforming the Church Podcast, Pastor Derwin begins a three-part series exploring the insights and lessons he wishes he had known before stepping into pastoral leadership. This episode focuses on effective pastoral leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving beyond preaching, the necessity of excellent systems and processes, and the inevitability of resistance to change. Join us as we delve into the heart of ministry, discovering how to lead with love, humility, and resilience in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ministry as Service: Ministry is about serving the Lord, the body of Christ, and those yet to know Jesus. It is rooted in the priesthood of all believers.
2. Beyond Preaching: Effective pastoral leadership involves more than just preaching. It requires sharing life with the congregation, demonstrating Christ-like character, and working hard in service.
3. Systems and Processes: Healthy leadership necessitates excellent systems and processes. Organization and teamwork are vital to managing the pressures of ministry.
4. Resistance to Change: Expect and prepare for resistance when leading change. Understanding and addressing fears of power loss, status, and the unknown are crucial.
5. God's Calling and Empowerment: God, who calls and seats leaders, empowers them to be servant leaders through the life of Jesus within them.

PODCAST RESOURCES

• More from Derwin: www.derwinlgray.com and www.transformationchurch.tc/podcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe on Spotify

• Subscribe on YouTube

• Subscribe on Amazon Music

• The ChurchLeaders Podcast Network

CONNECT WITH DERWIN

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/derwinlgray

• Instagram: @derwinlgray

RATE, LEAVE A REVIEW, & SHARE

If you’ve been impacted by this podcast, please leave a rating and a review, and share with someone in your life.