On Digging Your Well Before You're Thirsty

On Digging Your Well Before You’re Thirsty…
By Ron Faus

As I have contemplated practices to promote health as a pastor, Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty, a book written by Harvey Mackay about networking, came to mind. Although the book is written for entrepreneurs, one “dipper from the well” is that we all need people that we can occasionally call in the middle of the night for urgent assistance. Even if you never have to make that call at midnight, it’s good to know there’s someone you can call.

My experience in ministry led me to search for my own support networks. Don’t wait for the denomination or anyone else to do it for you! Part of that was having a ministry coach to keep me on track with personal and congregational ministry initiatives. That ministry coach, Jeannette Buller Slater, teamed with me to encourage the local [denominational] ministers to form “peer coaching triads.” The goal was to take turns listening and asking clarifying questions about personal or ministry issues clergy brought to the triad. Advice giving was definitely discouraged, although other resources were sometimes suggested.

The triad I was in benefited from the wisdom of a retired pastor who was both humble and wise. I was blessed to have these peers listen, laugh, cry, and share stories about the ups and downs of ordained ministry and life in general. Don’t be afraid to cross denominational lines. Ministry and maintaining spiritual health is hard in all church systems.