If you’re like me, you’ve felt the weight of leadership pressing heavier than usual lately. And I’m not even in a full-time pastoral leadership role. The events in our world, the division, the grief, the needs of people, all of it can be overwhelming. Leading in this season is not easy, and you don’t have to carry it alone.
This is why I believe so strongly in having a coach. A life coach provides a safe space to process, reflect, and get clarity when the weight feels like too much. It’s not about weakness, it’s about wisdom. Even leaders need someone who can listen, ask the right questions, and help them stay grounded so they can lead others well.
I know some leaders hesitate to hire a coach. Maybe it feels like an admission that you don’t have it all together. Maybe you worry about the time commitment or wonder if it’s worth the investment. Or maybe you’ve convinced yourself that “other people” need that kind of help, but not you. I’ve been there and I understand those thoughts.
But here’s the truth: having a coach isn’t a sign that you’re failing, it’s a step toward thriving. The best leaders I know intentionally seek out safe places where they can process the unique weight of leadership. You may already have that kind of person in your life. If not, I feel compelled to encourage you to consider it.
Maybe today is the reminder you needed: it’s okay to find that place for yourself. I would be happy to have a free conversation to see what that might look like. You can start by filling out the assessment below. Nothing beats getting off a Zoom knowing the client is feeling a little lighter in this messed-up world. https://form.jotform.com/241615552398159
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Leading in ministry and business is a privilege, but it can also feel like a heavy yoke. The decisions, the care for people, and the constant demands can weigh heavily on your heart. The reminder here is simple—you were never meant to carry it all in your own strength. Rest isn’t found in checking off every task or solving every problem. Rest is found in coming to Him.
Here are a few practical ways to carry the weight of a heavy season in ministry:
* Pause and Pray – Start your day or week by lifting the burdens of your church, team, and community to God.
* Share the Load – Even seasoned leaders need a safe place to process. Find a mentor, peer, or coach who understands the unique weight of leadership.
* Set Boundaries – Protect your personal and family time, even when the demands of ministry feel urgent. Saying “no” is part of sustainable leadership.
* Reflect Daily – Take time to journal or meditate on scripture about God’s faithfulness; it helps you gain perspective amid the chaos.
* Guard Your Heart Online – Social media can amplify stress, comparison, and division. Be intentional about what you consume and when, and don’t let it dictate your emotional or spiritual state.
Take a few minutes today to pause, breathe, and bring the burdens of your leadership back to the One who promised to carry them with you.
Even with these practices, leadership can still feel heavy. That’s why having a coach or mentor is so valuable. They provide a safe place to process the unique pressures of ministry, ask the hard questions, and help you lead from a place of clarity and strength.
Consider this a gentle challenge: don’t wait until the weight becomes too much. Find someone you can trust to walk with you through this season—you don’t have to carry it alone.
