Sam Balmer, from Enniskillen, is one of three elders in Fermanagh Christian Fellowship. Along with his wife, Louise, he is involved additionally in the work of Bible Educational Services and Sow2Reap Trust.
He shares what he has been learning about leadership: it’s very honest and very personal.
As a direct result of burnout, following a very busy and prolonged period of leadership ministry both in church life and in the charitable sector I learned a number of hard lessons. On occasions these still raise their ugly heads!
I discovered that the success of church and ministries do not depend on me – I realised my acceptance by God was not dependent on my work for God – I learned that identity should be grounded in Christ not in my ministry for Christ – I had to learn to say NO, to rest, to simplify life and not feel guilty about this.
My pride and ego took a hit! Gods work continued and expanded while I was off thus confirming all of the above lessons. Reminding myself of these is necessary from time to time. Through all this experience God remained faithful and His steadfast love ever bountiful.
He also describes the value and significance of the ‘amazing’ support of a good wife, family and faithful friends.
Music (via a couple of apps) helped during what he describes as long nights and troublesome days. The Holy Spirit spoke to him as he read the book of Jude, both encouraging him and showing him that God will be victorious.
- In my need for mercy, peace and love my God is sufficient is supplying these in abundance (v2).
- In my battle contending for the faith not just publicly but privately as the enemy battles with my mind my God is victorious (vv3,4)
- v20,21 In my worship as I build myself up, pray, bask in Gods love and wait for His mercy my God is glorified (vv20,21)
- in my inability to keep myself from stumbling and ultimately present myself before His presence my God is able (v24)
And as a concluding word:
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Amen!
