In Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told Us About Surviving and Thriving, authors Bob Burns, Tasha D. Chapman, and Donald C. Guthrie ask: What does it take for pastors not only to survive but to thrive in fruitful ministry over the long haul?
Category: Ministry
Sarita Hartz has over 10 years of experience on the mission field and in the nonprofit…
Although May as Mental Health Awareness Month is now over, the impact of mental illness on life and ministry continues, so today I’m sharing another mental health story on video followed by an interview. Is it possible to survive and thrive after burnout? How do you have a panic attack and still keep your job?
In this video, Amelia Kent shares her personal journey with mental illness, and graciously agreed to talk with me further about mental health on the job. An edited version of our conversation follows the video.
When United Airlines had a paying customer forcibly removed from a flight so one of its own crew members could fly in his place, the news and accompanying video went viral. How could a 69-year-old doctor returning from vacation end up bloodied and being dragged off the aircraft? Why did the airline wait until all of the passengers had boarded before trying to find room for their crew members? Couldn’t they plan ahead? And was race a factor in the mistreatment of Dr. Dao? Can you imagine a 69-year-old white doctor being similarly dragged off the plane?
When United Airlines had a paying customer forcibly removed from a flight so one of its own crew members could fly in his place, the news and accompanying video went viral. How could a 69-year-old doctor returning from vacation end up bloodied and being dragged off the aircraft? Why did the airline wait until all of the passengers had boarded before trying to find room for their crew members? Couldn’t they plan ahead? And was race a factor in the mistreatment of Dr. Dao? Can you imagine a 69-year-old white doctor being similarly dragged off the plane?
When I first accepted the call to serve as an interim pastor, I had no specific pastoral training or experience. I was a writer and college instructor, had the equivalent of a master’s degree in theological studies, some practical experience as a speaker and worship leader–but mainly I had lots of questions.
