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COPING WITH LONELINESS

COPING WITH LONELINESS. LONELINESS IS A PERPLEXING PROBLEM. We work in Christian communities. We emphasize relationships. We value Christian fellowship. REASONS CHRISTIANS LEADERS ARE LONELY. Leaders are isolated by information:. Personal information. Professional information.

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COPING WITH LONELINESS

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  1. COPING WITH LONELINESS

  2. LONELINESS IS A PERPLEXING PROBLEM • We work in Christian communities • We emphasize relationships • We value Christian fellowship

  3. REASONS CHRISTIANS LEADERS ARE LONELY Leaders are isolated by information: • Personalinformation • Professional information

  4. REASONS CHRISTIANS LEADERS ARE LONELY Leaders are isolated by obedience: • Moral stands • Doctrinal positions • Leading spiritual commitments

  5. REASONS CHRISTIANS LEADERS ARE LONELY Leaders are isolated by job demands: • Time alone in preparation and study • Travelingalone • Work setting

  6. REASONS CHRISTIANS LEADERS ARE LONELY Leaders are isolated by emotional depletion from job performance: • The burden of spiritual responsibility • The struggle of spiritual warfare

  7. STRATEGIES FOR HANDLING LONELINESS Have realistic expectations about loneliness: • You will be lonely • You can get through it

  8. STRATEGIES FOR HANDLING LONELINESS Cultivate your awareness of God’s presence: • Take an honest look at biblical leaders- • Jesus, Paul, David • Maintain consistent devotional practices • Bible reading • Prayer • Scripture memory

  9. STRATEGIES FOR HANDLING LONELINESS Cultivate friendships to sustain you through low times: • Take an honest look at biblical leaders- • Jesus’ disciples, Paul’s team, and • David’s mighty men • Cultivate three kinds of friendships • Ministry peers • Everyday people • Trusted confidant

  10. STRATEGIES FOR HANDLING LONELINESS Two big questions • What keeps ministry leaders from • having more friends? • Competition • Lack of transparency • Pride • What about my spouse as the cure for • my loneliness?

  11. EMBRACING LONELINESS Choose Solitude: • Loneliness is an emotional state • Solitude is a choice to be alone for a • special purpose Learn from your lonely times

  12. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANES THAT REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION • When loneliness turns into depression • When your ministry setting is • particularly isolating • When your ministry setting is toxic

  13. COPING WITH LONELINESS

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