244. Finding Strength in Desperation, with Mandy Smith, author of Confessions of an Amateur Saint

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Is leadership about enduring endless challenges without ever, y’know, faltering? Or is it about recognizing when to slow down, step back, acknowledge our weaknesses and reconnect with the God who calls us?

In this episode, Mandy Smith, author of Confessions of an Amateur Saint, talks about developing our capacity when ministry gets hard, the essential role of rest, and how we can find strength even in times of desperation.


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Mandy Smith underscores the necessity of recognizing burnout early and taking intentional breaks for spiritual reflection.
• Mandy Smith reveals her practice of observing a Monday Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted rest in remembering spiritual purposes.
• Challenges in ministry can expand one’s capacities if approached with discernment.
• Mandy Smith emphasizes the importance of identifying the "true self" versus the "false self" in leadership roles.
• The conversation touches on navigating unknowns in ministry, where traditional methods may not be effective anymore.
• Mandy Smith discusses her routine of daily prayer for guidance, especially during challenging times in ministry.
• Prayer serves as a crucial aspect of leadership, connecting leaders to God's guidance and renewal.
• Markus Watson refers to the insights from Mandy’s book, The Vulnerable Pastor, underscoring the value of vulnerability in leadership.
• Mandy Smith talks about the urgency felt due to declining church attendance, stressing a deeper reliance on prayer.
• Personal and communal desperation in the church can lead to spiritual growth and greater reliance on God.
• Mandy Smith explores the concept of "confession" as turning towards God, involving acknowledgment of thoughts and reaffirmation of faith.
• Shifting from secular professionalism to Christian leadership reliance on God, Mandy Smith critiques the application of secular standards within church contexts.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Mandy Smith:
  • www.thewayistheway.org
  • Instagram - @mandysmithhopes
  • The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination
• Books mentioned:
  • Confessions of an Amateur Saint, by Mandy Smith
  • The Vulnerable Pastor, by Mandy Smith
• Related episodes:
  • 36. The Vulnerable Pastor, with Mandy Smith
  • 107. Childlike Faith, Adultlike Leadership, with Mandy Smith
  • 194. Saudade, Leadership, and Nurturing the Inner Life, with Jeff Crosby

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