Grieve, Get Perspective, Go Forward (w/ Chris Johnson)

Pastor Chris Johnson leads Divine Unity Community Church— a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-generational church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. As our nation experienced many of the racial and political upheavals, the people he leads leaned in hard to see what it means to unify as Ephesians 2 outlines rather than dividing on important— but lesser-important than the Kingdom— issues. During the conversation, Shawn asks Chris his opinion: "What's the biggest issue you see pastors facing now?" His answer: "Grief." Chris says that many pastors are grieving the transitions they've seen in ministry, the new weight they carry, and the loss of previous expectations… Face it. Leading a church and a ministry has transformed over the past few years— and it's done so quickly. Chris talks about how he deals— and has dealt with emotional overwhelm.   His main takeaway: there are things you can only acquire in the valley, perspective— and strength— you can't gain from the mountaintop. You learn to lean into the Father. You dive deeper into the Scripture. And relationships change. Relationships forged in success look one way (and can be great). Relationships forged in struggle seem even stronger.   He also discusses the need to make disciples, not just host church services. This doesn't mean he's against church services— Chris talks about launching a new church right now. But the focus has always been— and should always be— people. Our "product," in other words, is transformed lives.   Chris reminds us, finally, to "give up" ownership of a few things— that is, to deconstruct your leadership call and allow the Father to rebuild it. Things to give to give up ownership on include— Not your OWN righteousness. Not your OWN strength. Not your OWN understanding.