My plan is always to pray and read the Scriptures in the morning that I might listen to God. Yesterday was not unlike any other day. Stayed up too late so I slept too late (7:00 AM is late in my world). Got ready, ate breakfast,dropped my daughter off for volleyball camp, walked in our offices and turned on my computer. My cell phone rang, a staff member popped his head in the door, and then it was time for our daily staff prayer gathering. At 8:40 I’m finally back in my office. I open my Bible, my journal, and I bow my head. I think I’m safe because everyone knows to leave me alone in the morning unless it’s an emergency. Suddenly, my assistant sticks her head in the door. EMERGENCY! …and it was. I dropped everything and headed to connect with a family at the lowest point in their life. I returned just in time for a barrage of meetings. At 4 PM I opened my Bible again only to be distracted by email. Suddenly it was 5:30. Time to go home, dinner with the family, work out, and then start all over again. Busy day. Too busy to abide.

I’m guessing I’m not the only ministry leader in the world with such issues. Truthfully, every day of my life could be like the one described if it were not for some really great people that protect my time and some fairly healthy boundaries around my time with God. Still, it’s a fight to Abide. Why is that?

“I am the vine you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

I am certain the answer is simple. In the spiritual battle for the souls of men and women a leader who does not abide in Christ, according to the Text, can do nothing. It makes sense. A leader who does not take time to listen and to know the direction and the heart of his superior will never execute his plans. How will we even know where to go and what to say apart from abiding in Christ?

On the other hand a leader that abides in Christ will bear much fruit. This also makes sense. A ministry leader abiding in Christ knows His Heart, understands His plan for the day, hears his voice, follows in his footsteps. This kind of leader has ears to hear and eyes to see. He is walking in the Spirit not reacting in the flesh. I want to be a ministry leader, a pastor, a Christian, who abides. For me this is the strategic battle to win every day. When I abide I see fruit.  When I don’t I sin and can do nothing.

If this resonates with you, I would love to spend some time with you face to face. I will be continuing this conversation here http://d6conference.com/ and here http://group.com/childrens-ministry/kidmin-conference this fall. Come sit down with me and let’s talk about what really matters.

Published by Brian Haynes

I serve Jesus for the restoration of people, families, and churches. I am a student of the Bible and a sojourner of ancient paths. I am a disciple-maker, a preacher, and a writer. I love all people. I am honored to call Angela my wife, Hailey, Madelyn, and Eden my daughters, and Houston, Texas my home. I am on a kingdom assignment as the lead pastor at Bay Area Church.

4 thoughts on “A Plea to Ministry Leaders: Abide”

  1. Pastor Brian:

    It is an encouragement to me to know that you face exactly the same daily struggles that I face. As I strive for perfection in my Christian walk, which is difficult, I count it a blessing to be subject to your leadership in our church and the wisdom and insights that God gives you each day. Keep up the good work and I continue to lift you and the entire church staff up in prayer each day that God will continue to bless your ministry in His name.

    Yours in Christ,

    Mike

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  2. Here I am, up late again. I know what you mean, Pastor Brian. Abiding needs to be more than a checkbox on a list. May the Lord grant us such a thirst and passion for Him that nothing will get in the way of time alone with Him and His word.

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