By Dr. Shana Wise
As a leader, in ministry, we find ourselves constantly keeping others encouraged but many times we are the ones who need encouragement.
Being a woman leader comes with its challenges. If we are overseeing small ministries, often, we must take on a lot of administrative duties which can be time-consuming and even stressful.
We also have a role to make sure the budget is where it needs to be to function.
These responsibilities, along with equipping, disciplining, and training the ones that were leading all while maintaining our personal families can be a bit much.
Yet when we look back, we are amazed about how far God has brought us and the ministry! 🥰.
One of the things that we as leaders can struggle with is discouragement.
Personally, I have had discouragement on multiple levels as a leader. Without many who you can confide in, you learn to just keep going on and deal with yourself (with God).
Sometimes I have days questioning if I’m even good enough or doubting myself. Wondering if all the work, time, and effort is worth it because I’m not seeing financial growth. Thinking I may be getting too old for this and it’s hard for me to keep up with all the changes (especially social media).
Some things that have discouraged me over the years as a leader is:
1. Having big visions, but no funds, resources, or people to fulfill them.
2. Having a small congregation and the physical membership not growing. I’m not really complaining because we have a great online presence, but we have maintained less than 10 members for the past 2 to 3 years.
3. Not having my immediate family members involved in the ministry (children, siblings, etc.).
4. Not always seeing eye to eye with my spouse concerning the ministry.
5. The ministry, not making enough money for me to get a salary. This leads me to think of ways of how to gain employment, but still have balance with the ministry.
These are just a few things that I have been discouraged with.
I have learned that it is important to know that I am not the only one that is going through this; other women and men in leadership struggle with discouragement as well.
It is important that we have the space to share confidentially with one another, the struggles and discouragement that we have been facing.
What is your story?
About the Author
Dr. Shana Wise is an ordained Pastor that founded and oversees Wise Choice Ministries with her husband Deacon Ron Wise. She is also the CEO and founder of The Well Christian Women’s Network. Dr. Wise is the author of Women’s Devotionals Acts of Intercession and Chief Women Arise, The Impact of Your Election, and the Basic Ministry Training Manual (all available on Amazon). She received a Doctor of Divinity degree in 2019 from St. Thomas Christian University. Her passion is to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, equip others to apply the Word to their lives and demonstrate it through the power of the Holy Spirit. She is a televangelist that appears on social media outlets. Shana is married and has four children.
For speaking engagements email: wisechoiceministries512@gmail.com.
Books available on Amazon:
Acts of Intercession
The Impact of Your Election
Basic Ministry Training Manual
Chief Women Arise
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