Church PLANT Manual

Session 1: Prepare • 25

and available to enjoy your family life and invest in their lives (1 Tim. 3:2-5, 12; Prov. 3:1-8; Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:18-21). E. Build in seasonal rhythms of rest and a Sabbath pattern. Spend intentional time to rest, pray, and then reengage in the work of ministry. In retreat from our work, we trust God, and reorient our hearts and minds towards Him (Gen. 2:1-3; Eccles. 3:1-8; Heb. 4:6-10; Mark 6:40-47). F. Stay connected to the vine so that you will bear fruit. If we neglect time in prayer and the word, we will begin to minister out of an empty cup. We should minister to others out of the overflow God has accomplished in our own hearts (Ps. 1:1-4; John 15:1-5). III. Healing from Relational Hurts and Losses A. Grieve well and take the time to process your pain with God and others. There is a temptation in ministry to simply move onto the next busy season. Make sure you give room to process and grieve difficult circumstances and experiences (2 Cor. 7:6-7; Isa. 38:14; Rom. 12:15). B. Avoid isolation and surround yourself with trusted people who care deeply for your well-being. Isolation is our normal response to hurt, but it will lead to unhealthy habits and ministry patterns. Living in isolation breeds the lie that we are alone in our pain and no one else understands (1 Kings 19:9-18; 2 Cor. 1:3-11). C. Understand your calling and embrace the reality that suffering is normal. A sense of calling and purpose allows us to embrace the realities that ministry will be difficult. A sense of calling allows us to see beyond the moment and continue to run our race well (2 Thess. 1:11; Heb. 12:1-3).