In this powerful episode, hosts Gary and Jana Moritz open up about the often-overlooked emotional challenges of church revitalization. Drawing from their decade-long experience at City United Church, they explore the personal cost of ministry leadership—from anxiety and isolation to spiritual warfare and leadership loneliness. The episode provides honest insights and practical strategies for maintaining emotional health while navigating the demanding journey of church transformation.
Episode Notes
Introduction
- Gary and Jana Moritz introduce the topic of emotional toll in church revitalization
- Alarming statistics: Over 50% of pastors struggle with depression
- Many pastors would leave ministry if they had alternative income
- Church revitalization is spiritually, physically, and emotionally demanding
- Impact extends beyond pastors to spouses and families
Personal Challenges
- Constant scrutiny and "living in a fishbowl"
- Gary experienced anxiety in year two after implementing governance changes
- Jana faced social isolation when relationships changed during transition
- Carrying others' emotional reactions to change (grief, fear, identity loss)
- Leadership loneliness from bearing confidential burdens
- Spiritual warfare - multiple simultaneous challenges
Support Systems
- Ministry coaching relationship - monthly video calls with experienced mentors
- Mentors normalized experiences and identified warning signs
- Support group of other ministry couples provided understanding
- Professional counseling helped process emotional patterns
- Establishing healthy emotional boundaries
- Question: "Who has permission to determine your worth and success?"
Practical Wellness Strategies
- Regular personal and couple retreats for renewal
- Physical activity as emotional release (Gary's weekly workouts)
- Creative outlets unrelated to ministry (Jana's reading and shows)
- Celebrating small wins to maintain perspective
- Friendships outside church to ground identity
- "Emotion mapping" - regular check-ins using 1-10 scale
- Adjusting expectations when one partner is emotionally depleted
Closing Thoughts:
- Emotional health is as important as strategy and theology
- Successful revitalization requires emotionally healthy leadership
- Encouragement to find coaching, support groups, and counseling
- Free assessment offered to listeners feeling stuck
- "Guard your emotional health as carefully as your theology"
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