Life + Faith

Tag: Leadership

  • AI, Ministry, and the Shape of Discipleship

    AI, Ministry, and the Shape of Discipleship

    There’s something particularly human about opening the Bible and seeking to make sense of it for others. For pastors, that moment of sermon preparation isn’t just about information or knowledge transfer, it’s about formation, for the preacher and the people who hear it. Now, however, we need to deal with AI. It’s fast. It’s helpful. And, it’s kind of fun too! 

    But, it also raises deeper questions about our pastoral and ministerial calling, especially when it comes to the slow and patient work of preaching and shepherding others in the way of Jesus. 

    Recently, I’ve listened to two podcast episodes (here and here) from the team at the Expositors Collective (who I’d recommend you follow) and been reflecting on AI, sermon preparation, and its wider use in church ministry. 

    Tools or Crutches

    Tools abound for pastors and ministry leaders of churches. Whether it’s Bible software, commentaries, whiteboards, Canva, or various books and study guides, there’s plenty out there. AI fits into this category. A tool. It can structure meetings, summarise transcripts, brainstorm sermon series, and tidy up emails. It’s like a digital intern who doesn’t need smoke-o. 

    But there is a tipping point. And for some that might be further down the track than others. Nevertheless, the tipping point is when the tool becomes a crutch, something that ends up doing the deep work that is part of the calling of gospel ministry–the exegesis, illustration, sermon outlining, the writing, even. This tipping point comes when we trade formation for efficiency. And it is a poor trade. We may well save time, but what we risk is the personal formation of our soul and a disservice to our people.

    Sermons are lived, they are to be ‘in’ us, they are to be lifted up in prayer, and spoken through the Spirit by a person, not a prompt. 

    Presence Over Productivity

    Of course, AI promises productivity. And it’s a performance trap for us too. In some areas, like admin, research, and note-making, it’s certainly very helpful. But ministry isn’t measured by these things, nor is it measured by performance and efficiency. It’s measured in faithfulness, presence, and love for others. Those in the church who are dealing with challenge, hardship, grief, health concerns, financial difficulty, or a dark night of the soul don’t need a TED Talk crafted message, they need a pastor who has sat with the text, prayed through the text, and then communicates through the work of the Spirit. 

    And don’t get me wrong, I’m not some Luddite with anti-tech sensibilities. I’m engaging with AI tools in many areas of life, including church ministry. But we’ve got to remind ourselves that our calling is to shepherd not to massage content in ChatGPT. 

    I suppose, the danger isn’t really AI itself, it’s what it might slowly be doing to our hearts as we build faster content but remain less formed and wise in the process. 

    Discernment In Discipleship

    My point is that we’re not here to create fear or hype about AI. Every generation is already using it to some degree, and those digital natives among us are well beyond this being ‘new’. Our job is more about wisdom and discernment than it is to give some moral judgement on these technologies. It’s to help people realise that following Jesus may not be the road of shortcuts and speed.

    We need to help our churches, our people, see the difference between information and wisdom. To be able to sit in the deep with God, and let him do the work within us over a long period of time. Outsourcing formation won’t get us very far, but embracing slow discipleship, the unhurried way of Jesus will. 

    So, yes, we use these tools. But we realise that this is what they are. The question of challenge is whether I am shaping this tool or is it shaping me?

    AI and Ministry
    AI, Ministry, and the Shape of Discipleship
    Related: The Ethics of AI: A Pastoral Reflection

  • Unity, Patience, and the Church: Lessons from Carlton’s Coaching Turmoil

    A recent article in The Age by Jake Niall (which may be behind a paywall) explores the inner tension at Carlton Football Club over the past three decades. The club was once defined by power and success then found itself in a cycle of division, instability, and impatience. Having had nine different coaches since 2000, multiple leadership changes at board level, and a struggle to perform on field, the article that Niall writes is a great case study in leadership, particularly for those in church ministry. 

    Obviously, professional sport and pastoral leadership operate in very different arenas, they do share some similarities, as I’ve written about before. Leadership struggles, the challenge of unity, the weight of expectations, and the temptation to look for a quick fix rather than embracing the slow and patient work of building something that will last. 

    A Divided House

    Denis Pagan, one of Carlton’s many coaches, described his tenure at the club as “an absolute nightmare”, primarily due to the fractured leadership: “Splinters everywhere… board level, administration level. The playing group was split.” It was a house divided against itself, as Niall writes. 

    Jesus’ words in Mark 3:25 speaks of this truism, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” This isn’t just true for football clubs; it’s true for churches as well. When leadership teams—pastors, elders, and deacons—are pulling in different directions, the whole church suffers.

    Paul understood this as well when he writes to the church in Ephesus to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Unity isn’t automatic; it requires intentional effort. When a church operates more like a dysfunctional football club, where different factions vie for control, the focus shifts away from Jesus and his mission.

    Patience and the Slow Work of Discipleship

    Carlton’s downfall wasn’t just about division; it was also about impatience. The club became addicted to the idea of a quick fix—whether it was a high-profile coach, a big-name recruit, or a billionaire benefactor. As Malthouse put it, “This is going to take a slow burn to get right and it’s also going to take patience.” But patience was in short supply.

    Churches can fall into the same trap. We want fast results—spiritual growth that happens overnight, new programs that immediately bear fruit, discipleship that runs on a tight schedule. But faith formation, like rebuilding a football club, doesn’t work that way.

    Jesus consistently used farming illustrations to describe the Kingdom of God and the growth that happens over time. “First the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head” (Mark 4:28). Paul says similarly about this patient approach to ministry, saying, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

    Pastors, elders, and deacons need to embrace the long game of discipleship. There are no shortcuts. A healthy church isn’t built in a season or two—it takes years of faithful, consistent, and patient work.

    The Role of Leadership in the Church

    At Carlton, instability at the top had a ripple effect. Pagan noted that too many influential voices behind the scenes “wouldn’t have known a football from an Easter egg.” Leadership dysfunction filtered down to the players, resulting in a culture where no one was really set up for success.

    Churches can find themselves in a similar place. If the relationship between the pastoral team and church leadership is dysfunctional, the congregation feels its effects. Leadership in the church isn’t about control but about shepherding God’s people toward spiritual health. It reminds me of those words from 1 Peter 5:1-4, 

    “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

    Ephesians 4:11-12 also describes the God-given role of leadership: 

    “Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” 

    Leadership in the church exists for the nurturing of the people, not for power struggles or personal agendas.

    This is exactly how Jesus established his church. He didn’t appoint boardroom executives—he built his church on disciples who would faithfully shepherd his people. “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The church belongs to Christ. It is grown through his Word, sustained by his Spirit, and led by those called to serve, not control.

    The Temptation of the Quick Fix

    Carlton’s desperation for success led to a flawed approach; new coaches, new strategies, new leadership—anything but patience and stability. As a result, they spent more time rebuilding than actually moving forward.

    We might be tempted to fall into the same mindset. A new program, a new vision statement, a new pastor—these things can feel like they’ll fix everything. But real transformation doesn’t come from quick changes, it comes from faithfulness.

    Jesus didn’t rush. He spent three years slowly forming twelve disciples, who still weren’t ready by the time of his crucifixion. Paul didn’t plant churches and expect them to mature overnight—he stayed, he invested, and when he moved on, he kept writing letters to guide them further.

    Carlton’s recent resurgence has come not from chasing instant success but from building long-term stability. Likewise, a healthy church doesn’t rely on the next big thing, it commits to the slow, faithful work of discipleship.

    A Different Kind of Leadership

    Carlton’s history serves as a warning. The church is not a football club, but if we aren’t careful, we can find ourselves running it like one.

    Instead, we are called to a different kind of leadership—a leadership rooted in unity, patience, and the long, steady work of building up the people of God. The ultimate model for this is Jesus, “who made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).

    If we lead as Jesus led, if we remain united in purpose, and if we commit to the slow, faithful work of discipleship, we will see lasting transformation—not just in our churches, but in the lives of those we are called to shepherd.

    After all, the church isn’t chasing a premiership. We’re building something eternal.

  • Book Review: The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin

    Book Review: The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin

    The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin is an important reminder for anyone in pastoral ministry, especially those feeling the strain of constant demands. The book challenges the modern ministry mindset, which often equates busyness with success, and instead offers a call to slow down, embrace limitations, and find strength in resting in Christ. There’s lots of thoughtful insights and practical wisdom. Croft and Martin help pastors rediscover a more sustainable and spiritually enriching way to lead.

    Embracing Limitations

    One of the foundational ideas in The Unhurried Pastor is the importance of accepting our limitations. Many ministers are driven by the desire to meet everyone’s expectations—whether those of their congregation, community, or even themselves. But this endless striving only leads to burnout and frustration. Croft and Martin remind us, drawing from the words of John Calvin, that “true and sound wisdom consists in two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves” (p. 3). This is a important point. When we are deeply aware of both who God is and who we are, we understand that our limitations are not failures—they’re a natural part of being human.

    Embracing limitations doesn’t mean we’re less effective; it means we’re leaning into God’s design. Instead of trying to be everywhere and do everything, we can rest in the truth that God is sovereign. The weight of the world—or the church—is not on our shoulders. When pastors accept their limits, they’re able to give more genuine attention to what truly matters, letting God’s strength work through their weaknesses. I will admit, this is something that can be hard to actually put into practice and I often need to remind myself of this.

    Redefining Productivity

    In a culture that prizes productivity, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring ministry success by how much gets done. The more programs, meetings, and events, the better—right? Croft and Martin challenge this assumption by encouraging pastors to redefine productivity in ministry. “True productivity in ministry is about being rather than doing” (p. 14), they write, pointing to the familiar story of Mary and Martha as a guiding example.

    Martha, in her busyness, missed the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet, while Mary chose the “better” portion by simply being present with Him. This story resonates with those who find themselves caught in a cycle of activity, running from one task to the next. The reality is that ministry is not about how many meetings are attended or how many tasks are accomplished. Instead, it’s about nurturing a relationship with Christ and leading others to do the same. By spending time in His presence, pastors can lead from a place of spiritual depth, rather than out of a need to prove their worth through endless busyness.

    For many of us, there’s a temptation to prioritise what’s urgent over what’s important. However, Croft and Martin remind us that spiritual productivity isn’t about ticking off tasks; it’s about being deeply rooted in Christ and allowing our ministry to flow from that relationship. This shift requires a rethinking of how we approach our day-to-day and week-to-week responsibilities, but as I’ve recognised, essential for a more sustainable ministry.

    Authentic Vulnerability

    Vulnerability has become a bit of a buzzword in leadership circles (thanks Brene Brown?), with many encouraging pastors to be more open about their struggles. But as Croft and Martin point out, there is a subtle but significant difference between authentic vulnerability and a curated image of vulnerability. The authors caution against the temptation to appear vulnerable without truly being transparent: “There is a difference between presenting oneself as a vulnerable and transparent pastor, rather than a vulnerable and transparent person” (p. 21).

    True vulnerability in ministry goes beyond the occasional mention of a struggle in a sermon or casual conversation. It’s about consistently living with honesty before God and others, even when it feels risky. Authentic vulnerability builds trust, both with God and with the congregation, because it shows a pastor who is fully human—dependent on God’s grace like everyone else. Croft and Martin encourage pastors to be more “psalmist-like,” laying their true selves before God in prayer and letting go of the need to maintain an image of invulnerability. When pastors model this kind of vulnerability, they help create a culture of authenticity within their church communities, where people feel safe to bring their own struggles and burdens to God.

    Rest and Renewal

    For me, perhaps the most important message in The Unhurried Pastor is the call to rest. In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, the idea of rest can feel like a luxury—or even a weakness. Yet Croft and Martin emphasise that rest is not optional for those in ministry; it’s essential. They draw from the biblical pattern of Sabbath, reminding us that God built rest into the very fabric of creation. “The unhurried pastor knows Jesus is the Chief Shepherd over his church… It is only when a frantic, hurried pastor actually lets go that he truly rests” (p. 128).

    This kind of rest goes beyond simply taking a day off. It’s about a deep trust in God’s sovereignty, a willingness to release control and believe that God can and will sustain the ministry. When pastors neglect rest, they’re often trying to prove their worth by staying busy, or they’re afraid of what will happen if they’re not constantly ‘doing ministry’. But true rest comes when we let go and trust that God is in control. Rest, as Croft and Martin describe, is an act of faith—faith that God is capable of shepherding His people even when we’re not present.

    For pastors, this means regularly stepping away from the demands of ministry to replenish their souls, whether through prayer, time in Scripture, or simply enjoying life outside of pastoral duties. Without this regular rhythm of rest and renewal, burnout is inevitable. But when pastors take time to rest, they return to their work with greater clarity, energy, and a renewed sense of purpose.

    Conclusion

    The Unhurried Pastor is a timely and necessary reminder for those in pastoral ministry to slow down, embrace their humanity, and rest in God’s grace. Croft and Martin offer an alternative to the relentless demands of modern ministry (and life!), reminding us that our value is not in what we accomplish, but in who we are in Christ. By accepting our limitations, prioritising our relationship with God, and leading from a place of rest, we can experience a more sustainable and impactful ministry.

    As Croft and Martin conclude, “Pastors don’t need to be perfect or have it all together. They simply need Jesus” (p. 142). This truth is what sustains ministry—not our own efforts, but God’s grace working through us. For any pastor feeling the weight of their role or the pace of their life, this book offers practical wisdom and encouragement to embrace a slower, more sustainable approach to ministry.

    Related reading on rest and ministry
    11 Helpful Books on Burnout and Ministry
    Book Review: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
    Rest in the Rock: A Series in Psalm 62

  • Pastoral Ministry and AFL Coaching

    In a recent article in The Age, Caroline Wilson explores a cultural shift in AFL coaching, where many top candidates have turned down the West Coast senior coaching position to prioritise family and personal well-being. This made me reflect on the parallels between the pressures faced by AFL coaches and those in pastoral ministry. Though these two fields operate in completely different arenas, they do share a number of common challenges around leadership, sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility.

    The Weight of Leadership

    In both AFL coaching and pastoral ministry, the role of a leader carries significant weight. For coaches, this involves the strategic management of a team, guiding players toward success while being under the constant scrutiny of fans and media. For pastors, the responsibility lies in shepherding a congregation, guiding them in their faith, and providing wisdom during life’s challenging moments. The Bible speaks to this in Luke 12:48, where Jesus says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” This isn’t just about material wealth but applies equally to those entrusted with leadership—whether on the field or in the church. Leadership demands much, and with it comes the pressure to meet those demands faithfully.

    The Relentless Pressure

    Wilson’s article highlights the high-pressure environment that AFL coaches endure, where every decision is analysed and critiqued. Pastors, depending on the season, can also operate in a similarly intense environment. The spiritual well-being of a congregation rests, in part, on their shoulders. The Apostle Paul understood this pressure well, when he shares in 2 Corinthians 11:28 that beyond his external trials, he faced “the daily pressure of concern for all the churches.” This type of pressure is sometimes relentless and requires both AFL coaches and pastors to have a strong foundation—whether it’s in their strategy, their faith, their identity, or all of the above.

    Sacrifices for Family

    One of the themes highlighted by Wilson is the decision by many coaches to prioritise their families over the senior coaching job. For pastors, this is similar. Ministry demands can easily encroach upon personal and family life, leading to burnout if not managed carefully. It’s a delicate balance, where one must constantly weigh the call to serve against the needs of those closest to them. However, the decision to prioritise family reflects a biblical principle found in 1 Timothy 3:4-5, where leaders in the church are instructed to manage their households well, for if they cannot do that, “how can they take care of God’s church?” This is a reminder that commitment to church leadership is balanced with a commitment to family.

    Mentorship and Influence

    AFL coaches are often seen as father figures or mentors to their players, providing guidance not just in the sport but in life. As spiritual shepherds, pastors seek to guide their congregation toward deeper faith and worship of God. The influence they have is often more significant than we realise, helping to shape those who lead. In Proverbs 4:23 we read, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” For pastors, and perhaps coaches too, this is helpful wisdom; influence must flow from a place of integrity and care for those they lead. In a way, both are in the business of heart work—coaches on the playing field and pastors in the field of the soul.

    The Ultimate Sacrifice

    At the core of both AFL coaching and pastoral ministry is the concept of sacrifice. Wilson highlights how even lucrative and prestigious coaching positions are being passed over in favour of personal happiness and family commitments. In ministry, this sacrificial nature is a direct reflection of the gospel itself. The ultimate act of sacrifice is found in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the sake of others. Philippians 2:7-8 describes how Jesus

    “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

    This is the model for all Christian leadership: a life that prioritises the well-being of others, even at personal cost.

    Upon reflection, the challenges faced by AFL coaches are not entirely different from those encountered in pastoral ministry. Both roles require a balance of responsibility, the ability to endure pressure, and a heart willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. As pastoral leadership evolves, it’s crucial that those who lead do so with wisdom, resilience, and a deep commitment to the people they serve—always drawing strength and inspiration from the sacrificial love of Christ. This love, exemplified by Jesus on the cross, is the ultimate guide for anyone called to lead, whether in a sporting arena or a place of worship.

    If you’d like to read the full article from Caroline Wilson in The Age that inspired this post you can do so here (may be behind a pay wall).

  • 11 Helpful Books on Burnout and Ministry

    Read these. They’ll be helpful for you.

    Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton

    Barton explores how to create a rhythm of spiritual practices that nourish the soul and bring a sense of peace and balance. The book emphasises the importance of solitude, prayer, and other disciplines to maintain spiritual vitality and avoid burnout.

    Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss

    Cuss addresses the common issue of anxiety in leadership, offering strategies to manage personal and organisational anxiety. The book provides practical tools to create a healthier, more effective leadership environment.

    The Unhurried Pastor: Redefining Productivity for a More Sustainable Ministry by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin

    Croft and Martin challenges the conventional notions of productivity in ministry, advocating for a more sustainable approach. They provide practical guidance for pastors to slow down, prioritise their well-being, and maintain long-term ministry effectiveness.

    Pastoral Perseverance by Brian Croft and James Carroll

    Brian Croft and James Carroll strengthen pastors by pointing them to God’s word for help in facing the unique challenges of pastoral ministry in the modern day so that they will not merely survive, but stay, endure, and even thrive.

    Zeal without Burnout by Christopher Ash

    Ash addresses the risk of burnout in ministry, offering practical advice for maintaining zeal and passion without sacrificing personal health and well-being. The book emphasises the importance of rest, boundaries, and reliance on God.

    Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine

    Eswine delves into the life and struggles of Charles Spurgeon, offering hope and practical advice for those suffering from depression. The book combines historical insights with pastoral care principles to support those experiencing mental health challenges.

    Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

    Scazzero argues that true spiritual maturity requires emotional health. He provides a framework for integrating emotional and spiritual growth, offering practical steps to address emotional issues and foster a healthier spiritual life.

    Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

    Newport discusses how to achieve sustainable productivity without succumbing to burnout. He explores the principles of slow productivity, which prioritise meaningful work and long-term success over immediate results and constant busyness.

    Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery by Gordon Parker

    Parker provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, identifying, and recovering from burnout. The book offers strategies for self-care, stress management, and developing resilience to prevent future episodes of burnout.

    HBR Guide to Beating Burnout by Harvard Business Review

    This guide compiles insights and strategies from various experts to help professionals recognise the signs of burnout and take proactive steps to address it. The book covers practical approaches to managing stress and improving work-life balance.

    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

    Comer addresses the problem of busyness, arguing that it hinders spiritual health and well-being. He advocates for a slower, more intentional life through practices like Sabbath, simplicity, and solitude to align more closely with God’s purposes and experience deeper meaning.

    Related reading on rest and ministry
    Rest in the Rock: A Series in Psalm 62
    Book Review: The Unhurried Pastor
    Book Review: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport