After two decades in ministry, by far the hardest part has been feeling like I’m navigating seasons of leadership alone. Calendars are filled with events, Bible studies, and fellowships for other women to connect, engage, and dig deep, while I’m hustling around tending to all the tasks, keeping each plate spinning. Don’t get me wrong—I’ve found significant fulfillment in leading and serving those around me. But I’ve often hit seasons of discouragement and isolation, flooded with the lie that I’ll never get what those I’m leading are experiencing.
Navigating these experiences requires intentionality, wisdom, and not just in our personal walk with Christ, but also in the relationships we cultivate around us. Leading with community isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity. Here are four ways we can lean into community in various seasons of ministry.
1. Mentors: Guiding Through Experience
Mentors are invaluable sources of wisdom and experience. They’ve often walked through the seasons we’re now facing, offering insight from both a biblical and practical perspective. A mentor can help identify blind spots, challenge areas of growth, and encourage perseverance when ministry feels overwhelming.
Practical Advice:
- Seek out a mentor who has experience in areas where you feel called or challenged.
- Schedule regular check-ins, whether in person or virtually, and come prepared with specific questions or struggles.
- Approach mentorship with humility, ready to learn and be stretched.
2. Friends: Encouraging Through Vulnerability
Friendships are a lifeline, especially in leadership. Everyone needs relationships where they can just be themselves, apart from power dynamics, roles, and expectations. Leading others can sometimes feel isolating, but close friends remind us that we are not alone. They provide a safe space for vulnerability, offering support and laughter through the ups and downs of ministry.
Root on your team together, take a shopping trip for the next theme night, or hit a walking trail and catch up on life. Everyday moments, check-ins, and laugh emojis remind us there’s life outside of work.
Practical Advice:
- Cultivate friendships with other women in ministry who can relate to your journey.
- Be intentional in your time together—plan regular coffee or phone dates to stay connected.
- Share your heart openly with trusted friends, allowing them to pray for and encourage you.
3. Peers: Collaborating for a Stronger Impact
Peers offer a powerful opportunity for collaboration in ministry. By partnering with others who share similar passions, women in leadership can amplify their impact. Collaboration not only fosters creativity but also prevents isolation, reminding us that we are part of a larger body working toward the same kingdom goals.
Practical Advice:
- Find opportunities to collaborate on ministry projects or events with your peers.
- Share ideas and resources, drawing from each other’s strengths to serve your congregation or community more effectively.
- Be intentional about reaching out to peers outside your immediate circle to broaden your perspective and grow together.
4. Seasons of Transition: Navigating Change with Community
Ministry often comes with seasons of transition—new roles, unexpected challenges, or even stepping out of leadership for a time. I’m currently navigating the loss of close friends and community from my previous position, and quite honestly, the heartache of having to start over. Wading through the shallow waters of trust and commonality, I’ve found myself discouraged, but I know I need it. If you are in a new season, give yourself room to grieve what was lost and push through the temptation to shrink back. You and I both know that we need people around us—to be known and loved. Remember, this is just a season.
Practical Advice:
- Show up even when it’s hard; don’t isolate yourself during times of change.
- Ask for prayer and discernment as you seek God’s will for the next steps in your ministry.
- Recognize the grace and goodness that God provided in previous seasons, and trust that He will do it again.
Women in church leadership are not called to walk this journey alone. We need the wisdom of mentors, the encouragement of friends, and the collaboration of peers to faithfully serve God’s kingdom. As we lead, let’s commit to surrounding ourselves with community, knowing that God has designed us to grow stronger together.
