Church Planting, Pastoring Post-Covid, and Cultivating Resilience: Dr. Sharon Hodde Miller
Jan 23, 2025
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Dr. Sharon Hodde Miller, lead pastor of Bright City Church and author, dives deep into the complexities of church planting post-COVID. She shares her insights on navigating burnout and codependency in ministry, alongside the challenges of maintaining community engagement. Sharon reflects on the evolution of her marriage amid these trials and the crucial need for resilience in leadership. With a focus on authentic communication, she highlights the importance of aligning church values with community needs as they adapt to a new landscape.
Dr. Sharon Hodde Miller emphasizes the necessity of authenticity over perfection in leadership to build genuine connections within the church community.
The challenges faced by Bright City Church during the pandemic highlighted the importance of emotional health and open discussions about burnout among ministry leaders.
Miller's experience in church planting underscores the significance of cultivating resilience and adaptability in community-building amidst ongoing uncertainties.
Deep dives
Launching a Small Business with Shopify
Starting a small business is made more accessible through platforms like Shopify. This service allows entrepreneurs to quickly set up an online store using customizable templates, effectively managing shipping, taxes, and payments from a single dashboard. With its user-friendly tools, Shopify empowers individuals to take control of their business aspirations and establish themselves as independent entrepreneurs. The ease of getting started helps prevent frustration and encourages users to make tangible progress on their goals.
The Exiles of Babylon Conference
The upcoming Exiles of Babylon conference promises to address significant topics around gospel and race in a post-George Floyd era. Sessions will focus on the role of the evangelical church in contemporary society, including discussions about social justice and its responsibilities towards marginalized communities, including transgender individuals. The conference will feature various breakout sessions and after-parties, offering attendees opportunities to engage deeply with relevant issues. With the importance of these matters in today's world, the conference seeks to foster meaningful conversations and connections.
Dr. Sharon Haughty Miller's Leadership Journey
Dr. Sharon Haughty Miller, co-pastor of Bright City Church, shares her journey and learnings since planting the church in Durham, North Carolina. Established in 2018, the church had to navigate significant trials during the pandemic, which shaped its identity and operations. Miller discusses the challenges of feeling like a church plant even years later due to the constant state of mobility it has experienced. As they continue to embrace their portable setting, they reflect on the significance of building community in uncertain circumstances.
Navigating Burnout and Mental Health
Miller reveals how the pandemic forced her and her husband, Ike, to confront their struggles with burnout and codependency, especially regarding ministry pressures. Ike's experience of burnout led them to significant conversations about their emotional health, the dynamics of their marriage, and their feelings of responsibility towards the church. Their journey emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues among leaders in ministry. This candid reflection encourages others to seek support and engage in honest conversations about their struggles.
Redefining Success and Authentic Leadership
Miller emphasizes the importance of authenticity over perfection in church leadership, suggesting that real connections with congregants are built on honesty and transparency. She navigates the delicate balance of being genuine while also recognizing when certain vulnerabilities might distract from her role as a leader. By cultivating a church culture rooted in authenticity, Miller aims to create a space where community members feel comfortable sharing their struggles. This approach encourages a more profound sense of belonging, helping both leaders and congregants grow together.
Dr. Sharon Hodde Miller leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband, Ike. She also has a PhD on women and calling, and is the author of several books, including her most recent one, The Cost of Control. We talk a lot about pastoral ministry, church planting, and how to cultivate resilience in ministry. Register for the Exiles and Babylon conference: theologyintheraw.com
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