This weekend, I had the privilege of hanging out with some leaders at River’s Edge Community Church in Montreal. During dinner on Friday night, one leader asked me how I took care of myself as a leader. On good days, I might frame that question in this way: “How do you lead yourself well?” On bad days, it’s this question: “Okay, something’s got to change in my life, or I’m going to quit.” Well, that was more of a statement than a question. On bad days, I find myself more into making rash statements than asking good questions. On most days, however, it’s simply a question of “How do you keep from going completely crazy?”
My answer boils down to rhythms and relationships. If we are going to lead ourselves well and become leaders worth following, we’ve got to ensure we’ve got the right rhythms and relationships in our lives. Here are just a few that are critical for me personally.
Rhythms
Sabbath Rhythm– there must be one day a week that I live differently from all other days. A day that revolves around what I get to do and not what I have to do and that recognizes that God is ultimately in control– not me. This keeps my relationship with God in the right place and results in me relating better to those around me.
Spiritual Disciplines– I try to set goals for those about once a “semester” (following our semester system at NCC). I think in terms of Bible reading, prayer, and a discipline or two that I haven’t practiced in a while.
Monthly Goals Breakfast– once a month, Ryan and I sit down for a couple hours at one of our favorite breakfast spots to review our goals and coordinate our calendars for the upcoming month. This, along with regular date nights, keeps my relationship with Ryan a priority.
Relationships
Who is investing in me? I need to make sure there are people that are intentionally investing in me and people who have made themselves available and “on call” in my life.
Who am I investing in? I want to make sure that I am regularly pouring into younger leaders. Right now, I’ve got a handful of folks that I meet with monthly.
Who are my friends? This might sound like a dumb question, but sometimes, those of us in leadership are those who most need to ask it. Especially those involved in community-oriented ministries. Sometimes, we get so busy creating community for others that we fail to experience it for ourselves. Make sure you’ve got people in your life that let you take that leadership hat off.
Rhythms and Relationships. Leaders need to be strategic and intentional with them and steward them well.
