Should I Stay in Leadership?

There comes a time when a leader is being urged by the Holy Spirit to move out a position and is not sure how to tell what that looks like or how to go about the change. God will speak clearly to you if you are to move into another place. The bigger issue is the listening and obeying of that directive. Time with Him alone in prayer is the only way that this can be understood. If there is no longer an excitement about the ministry or the work, that usually indicates there is a burn out or that there is a new calling coming into your life.

The response to this is to check for burn out. Are you trying to do everything yourself? Do you share your responsibility and decision making with a team of helpers and leaders. What does your prayer life look like? Are you following God's lead or are you on your own.

If burn out is not the cause of the unrest, then God is probably asking you to prepare for the next level of ministry that He has planned for you. As a leader grows and matures, the call becomes more intense and the area of ministry is created for your unique gifts. Journal about all your thoughts and leadings. Consult a spiritual mentor and discuss the results of the writing. Prayer consistently for direction and listen intently. God will reveal the next step. (Warning: there may be times of silence and waiting while He works out the details).

A leader should always have an apprentice or women in training to move into the position if the need should arise. Teach and train other women for leadership. There will be times when women have to move, illness comes, parents or children need care. Time Outs like this come for everyone and the ministry should never have to suffer. If you are in the "perfect" place of ministry for yourself at this time, this is the time to prepare your leadership. Consistent traning and mentoring is imperative to have a ministry team that will provide for the needs of the participants regardless of circumstances in one person's life.

Suggestions for preparation are:
---Regular meetings and prayer with leaders
---Training sessions with all leaders quarterly
---Plan seminars once or twice a year bringing in someone who has experience in your area
---Take time for mini-retreats or individual time with the leaders

Remember that the main reason for your life is what God calls you do do with your life for His purposes and be always ready to follow Him. Sometimes His plan calls for a time or rest and refreshment as well as a bigger work.