Leadership and Pressure By David Graves

Several years ago, I read an article by Dan Reiland titled “Leadership and Pressure.” He wrote that every leader faces pressure. “How you handle that pressure matters. Do you attempt to avoid it and let it conquer you, or embrace it and use it to your advantage?”





We all experience pressure in ministry. Let’s look at a few types of pressure in leadership.

I. Internal Pressure - The pressure you put on yourself.
Internal pressure is not always bad; in fact, this kind of pressure helps you get things done. It is the pressure of knowing that Sunday is coming that helps you get your sermon ready. This is a good and healthy thing. However, all too often leaders put too much pressure on themselves — the pressure to perform at 110 percent at all times with little rest, the pressure to make people happy, to meet everyone's needs, to be at all places at the same time, and the pressure to achieve.


We want to do our best for God and the church. The million-dollar question is "How much is too much?" There are questions that may give us clarity.

• Do you take a day off?
• Can you relax and not feel guilty?
• Do you have trouble walking away from your phone, texts, and emails after hours? Do you spend time with your spouse, family, and friends, or are you always too busy? 

If you are not sure, ask your spouse or a couple of close friends or colleagues.
 

II. Transferred Pressure – The pressure to assume others' problems. 
Many times, I found myself unwisely falling prey to this pressure. Someone in the church, for example, tells me about a financial problem he or she is facing. Immediately I care — that is normal — but then something happens inside where I begin to feel responsible to fix it. That kind of transferred pressure is not good or healthy. Imagine if you or I actually had to carry the responsibility of solving everyone's problems! That is not possible! Instead, express your genuine care, offer counsel, and pray. If in that process you sense that you can help, or if the Holy Spirit prompts you to take action, then do it.

III. Peer Pressure – The pressure others put on you.
Most of us remember the peer pressure we felt in middle and high school. It was supposed to end there — just like your face breaking out — but often it does not. Leaders can feel the pressure to attend every event; visit every homebound member; pray more; fast more; preach sermons that are more challenging, humorous, engaging, serious, deeper — and in less time; to be in better physical shape, and the list goes on. The issue at hand may be something good, like praying more. However, when the demands and expectations of others become unrealistic and demanding, it becomes an unhealthy pressure. As a leader, there needs to come a time when you personally prioritize the most important things God wants you to do and be content with having His approval. Listen to God and your close advisors.

IV. Wasted Pressure – The pressure that results from lack of discipline. 
“Wasted" pressure is the most unnecessary and most avoidable. The most common form comes from lack of discipline and procrastination. You might wait until Saturday to start your sermon. You did not mail in a bill that you had for two weeks, and now it has late penalties. You waited until April 14 to do your taxes. Now you endure major pressure. I encourage you to make lists of things you need to accomplish, then discipline yourself to not waste time surfing the internet or looking at Facebook until your tasks are finished. It is not easy, but it can prevent much of this kind of pressure.

V. Personal Pressure – The pressure all families deal with. 
All families face pressure. If you are married, you understand. If you have children, you really get it. Having a good marriage and spending quality time with your children is hard work, but the good news is, you can do it. The reward is great! One of the best ways is to have more fun together. Play more. Enjoy each other! Put effort into fun – everything from playing games to a family vacation. Do not allow the television and electronic devices to steal your family time and create isolation from one another.

We have a high and holy calling that naturally comes with some pressures. However, there is nothing like the presence of God to help us handle the pressures. As you understand what they are and why you are feeling these pressures, do not hesitate to take them to God. 

 Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18.

Source:

Dr. David W. Graves was chosen for the highest elected office in the denomination at the 27th General Assembly held in Orlando, Florida, USA, in 2009. At the time of his election, Dr. Graves was the senior pastor of College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe, Kansas, where he had served since 2006. Prior to College Church, he served as director of Sunday School Ministries for the Church of the Nazarene and had pastoral assignments in Kansas, Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.