Author Archives: Michael D Johnson

Have you ever had a weight on you that just kept pressing down with no relief in sight? When I work out in the gym and I get to the end of a set of reps, my arms or legs can begin shaking under the weight; but at least I know that I only haveContinueContinue reading “Trying to bear up under it”

Numerous times I have found myself in discussions about pastoral ministry burnout and how to come out of it (not to mention of course what we might do to avoid it in the first place). Without oversimplifying it or making light of the pain of burnout I want to offer a few words regarding howContinueContinue reading “An introduction to overcoming burnout”

Sometimes I think it becomes far too easy to be distracted and preoccupied with thoughts about wanting to be productive and effective rather than to just put our hand to the work.  What I mean is this: we spend time analyzing our work, we think about and discuss our mission, vision and goals, we critiqueContinueContinue reading “Am I effective and productive?”

Dear Pastor, Do you ever struggle with the idea that you don’t have what it takes? Do you ever think that you should not be the person others come to, when they have questions about God and the Bible and spiritual matters? Do you think, “I’m not right for this” or “I’m not good enoughContinueContinue reading “Overcoming doubts, weaknesses and insecurities”