Leading in Stress

By Dr. Greg Wiens

So what do you do as a leader when you are too tired to think straight? Or, what do you do when the stress gets so high you find yourself performing lower than you would like? How do you get away from stress, from tension or from the challenging struggles of ministry? Ministry is a very stressful occupation; I don’t need to quote you statistics. Insurance companies used to give pastors breaks because actuarial tables showed they lived healthier and longer lives. This is no longer the case.

So what do you do when you are going through a crisis or experiencing significant amounts of stress? Let me suggest five keys I have found that continue to restore me and keep me healthy in the midst of the pressures of ministry.

The first key is balance. By this I do not mean that we should all maintain an average life never “getting out of balance”. As I study Jesus’ life I find times when he was extremely busy. At times he was so crowded by people who wanted him to do something for them, that he couldn’t eat (Mark 3.20). Other times he was so busy, he just didn’t have time to eat (Mark 6.31). One time he was so exhausted that he didn’t even wake up when the small boat he was in was about to sink due to a storm (Mark 4.38).

Jesus lived at a very frenetic pace at times in his ministry. But he would also casually walk from one location to another, taking days to travel slowly. Balance for Jesus meant that after a crazy period of serving people he always sought to bring a time of rest, restoration and replenishment. Balance for Jesus, was not living at a steady pace—like it is for us, never too busy or too idle. Jesus lived life in the fast lane but knew when to get off at the exit. And so should we. When you discover yourself (or your spouse tells you!) becoming irritable or overstressed, it is time to take an exit ramp.

Once you take the exit ramp, then is the time to apply the second key, which is to do something to overload your senses! Jesus walked on water (Mark 6.47) after his busy phase mentioned above; but I would suggest you try something different! For me, I need to get totally into something that takes my mind away from the stressor, the more testosterone the better. (Remember, this is what works for me). Recently, while under a stressful time, I watched the movie Transformers 2 which was awesome. At times, I will go for a motorcycle ride, listen to music very loudly, go for a long run, or lift some heavy weights. I find after this kind of rush, I feel drained in a good kind of way. It unloads the stress circuits in my body and brain. For you it may be a romantic movie, a good book; whatever it is, it must be consuming and cause a brain/body drain.

The third key to handling stress is to take time away from everyone. Jesus, at times got away from people, when he had enough of them (Mark 8.12-14). There are times when you too need to just get away from those you minister to. There is something healthy about getting away unexpectedly, just taking time for yourself to be alone or maybe with your spouse to recharge (the beach or the mountains). Maybe it is just a long walk. Sometimes, when getting away is not an option, let me suggest you just to take a five-minute vacation. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply, then picture yourself somewhere relaxing for just a few minutes.

Which brings us to the fourth key to handling stress. Take extended time for prayer and scripture meditation. Jesus intentionally got completely away from people for extended time of prayer (Mark 6.46). For me, memorizing the scripture is very helpful in dealing with a stressful situation. Often I will meditate on the 23^rd Psalm. I repeat it over and over and allow the Spirit to soothe my soul through the Word. Recently I began memorizing Psalm 1 for the same reason.

God’s word has the power to restore and reset our souls. For me, this is one of the many benefits of memorizing God’s word. It is always with you, most importantly when you wake up in the middle of the night and find yourself processing (worrying) about something.

The fifth and final key to handling stress is to share it with others. I don’t mean you should cause stress in others’ lives, rather I would suggest that you find someone who you can confide in. Jesus took only three disciples with him to pray with before his crucifixion. Peter, James and John had gone through a lot with Jesus and he wanted to share his burden with them. Often when we share our stressor with another, that “sharing” literally unloads some of the pain or burden. Knowing that someone cares for you and gives you affirmation causes you to walk a little lighter. Find someone to share your stress with; don’t carry it alone.

Jesus practiced these five keys I share today with you, and these have helped me throughout this stressful calling called ministry. Thanks to all who are walking with me in this journey.