In this highlight from our longer conversation with Andy Crouch (which can be found here: Flourishing in Ministry: Taking Action & Taking Risks - Andy Crouch - 125 - FrontStage BackStage , we explore what happens when suffering feels unmanageable and why so many leaders respond by pulling back, disengaging, or shutting down.
Andy introduces his framework of authority and vulnerability, explaining the four “quadrants” of human experience: flourishing, suffering, withdrawal (safety), and control. He shows how leaders often move from suffering into withdrawal when pain is not brought honestly before God through lament.
Drawing from the Psalms—especially Psalm 88, Andy explains why Scripture gives leaders permission to bring their complaints to God, even when hope feels distant. He also highlights the critical role of priestly presence—the kind of support leaders need when they lack the capacity to act but still need someone to walk with them.
This conversation is especially relevant for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone navigating burnout, trauma, or prolonged seasons of suffering.
In this highlight, you’ll discover:
-Why leaders withdraw when pain feels unmanageable
-The difference between suffering and withdrawal
-How neglecting lament leads to disengagement and burnout
-Why Psalm 88 matters for leaders in dark seasons
-The role of priests, prophets, and kings in healing leadership wounds
-How leaders can begin moving back toward flourishing
Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.
Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.
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