In all transparency, I have been a Star Wars geek from the beginning.  Yes I am that old.  I spent the last couple Friday night watching the Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+.  Both Episode 01, 02 and 03 are released.  This series is between the death (transformation) of Anakin and coming of age of Luke.

What is fascinating is the episodes give us a look into Obi-Wan’s emotional & mental health after the loss of his apprentice (Anakin).  I do not want to give much more away (you need to watch the series).

One of the challenges that pastors face today that has not occurred in the past is the unprecedented season that will forever be known as COVID.  Pastoring has always been a challenge,  COVID just brought to the surface the underlying issue.  Those issues included churches that were more country clubs than missional outposts, a volatile political climate, churches being more conformed to national political interests than Kingdom interest, a angry populous and a angry church populous.

Who took on much of the spiritual, emotional, and mental challenges of the period known as COVID – was the pastor.

As a pastor (leader), our leadership is shaped by our spiritual maturity, emotional heath and mental health.  It is time for pastors to recognize they can not be all things to all people.  Pastors must understand their spiritual heath, emotional health and mental health. 

Superintendent Michael shared about the speaker at the Leadership Summit – discussing the  health of pastors. (If you have not registered for the Leadership Summit please do so at https://theriverconference.org)

Back to Obi-Wan – he had to come to grips with how his past emotional and mental health was affecting him in the present.  Pastors today must come to grips with their spiritual, emotional and mental health vulnerabilities. If there is something in the past that needs to be understood and met head on, please allow it to be addressed.

How are you doing spiritually?  What are you hearing from the Holy Spirit? How are you doing emotionally?  How are you doing mentally?

The River Conference supports our pastors as they live balanced healthy lives.

How is your pastor? We are here to offer support.