the lazy river

If we’re honest, lazy rivers are kind of gross and they don’t end unless you get out of your tube and fight the current towards the nearest exit. We promise, this is relevant… read on!

In Today’s Email

1. 3 Truths About the River

2. Safe Spaces

3. Keller on Being Known

3 Truths About the River

One of the more common causes for stress and anxiety in ministry is the stuff in our lives that lives under the surface. The things that no one sees. It’s these things that, over time, wear us down.

While we are ministry leaders - our flesh remains on this side of Heaven. Which means that sin is present. What we do with the reality of sin in our lives will dictate our experience of and joy in ministry.

Too often, we choose to bury or ignore our sin or struggle for two main reasons:

1. We aren’t sure who we can trust. For many of us, our livelihood is tied to our ministry. What will happen if I go to my pastor with my struggle? Is my small group a safe space? Who has my best interest at heart?

2. We are put on a pedestal. We don’t want to disappoint others who view us in a certain light. We feel the need to keep up appearances.

The problem is this: the things that are hidden cannot be healed. And we can only hide our wounds for so long.

Choosing to ignore or hide our sin is like floating down a lazy river. Here are three truths about this river:

It Never Ends

When you enter a lazy river, there is no apparent end. Unless you choose to get out, you will float on it forever (or until the water park closes).

Connection: your sin or struggle won’t just go away over time. It will reveal itself in many different forms across time, much like how you see certain things at certain points of the lazy river. But eventually you come back to the start and eventually you will see it all again.

Time in the River Increases Damage Done by the River

When you first grab your tube and enter the river, you probably have just put a fresh coat of sunblock on, hydrated, and eaten. Now it’s time to relax. But as you go around and around, the sunblock wears off. As the sun beats down on you, your body loses water to cool itself.

Too long in the river and you will find yourself sunburnt, dehydrated, and strangely more exhausted than when you started your relaxing journey.

Connection: The effect of the things hidden compound over time. The longer things remain hidden, the more damage they do.

It Takes Effort to Get Out

Part of the reason people stay in the lazy river for so long is they know that, in order to exit, they will have to get out of their tube (top 5 hardest things on the planet, probably), wade in the current to the steps, and dodge the other floaters. It’s just easier to “get out next time.”

Connection: To bring what is hidden into the light takes effort. It takes courage. It takes vulnerability. It’s often just much easier to “get out next time.” But with every lap around the river, you feel the effects of the sun.

If you feel like you need help getting out of the river, keep reading! And remember this:

The Gospel that you sing about applies to you too, worship leader.

His grace abounds. His arms are open. He wants you to walk and serve others out of the gloriously freedom of the Gospel.

Safe Spaces

At Likewise, we have a team of people who deeply understand worship ministry and would love to be an ear for you.

If there’s something you need to bring into the light, a current ministry challenge, or anything in between, we would love to connect with you.

Fill out this form to get connected to a team member and set up a one on one!

Keller on Being Known

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