Who’s In Your Cloud?
by Chris Sasser

As I look back at my journey as a ministry leader, I can honestly say that one of the things that has spurred me on the most is the people who have encouraged me along the way. Sure, I have taken some courses along the way, read ministry books and papers, and learned more about my craft. But it’s been what Hebrews calls the “cloud of witnesses” that have surrounded me that has really helped and encouraged me through the years. It started with an executive pastor who believed in me as a young leader and went all the way to peers and groups I am a part of today that push and pray for me. I often hear people lament that ministry can be lonely, but I would argue that it doesn’t have to be. For many reasons, so many leaders in churches today feel as if they have to do it all on their own. I’m here to tell you that’s not true. Ministry is not a solo sport, and we all need people in our lives who are helping us learn and grow. As you think through how to make sure you are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses,” consider a few things you might do to make this happen.

First, find a network of ministry leaders to be a part of. Maybe there is a group of youth leaders in your area that meets regularly for encouragement and ministry training. Early in my ministry I was invited to A.L.L.I.E.S. – Area Leaders Linked in Evangelical Service. It was in this group that I found my first mentors in youth ministry. These were men and women who were a few years ahead of me and who had a real heart for building the kingdom of God. We met monthly, and I was quickly invited to bring my youth group to area-wide events, lunches, and other learning opportunities. That was almost thirty years ago, but a few of those men are still some of my heroes in the ministry. In today’s digital world, groups we can join don’t even have to be local. Virtual cohorts and learning groups can produce deep relationships that can be valuable to you in many ways.

A few years into my career as a youth pastor, I was invited to be a part of a group of people who were running a summer camp within our denomination. This group met together once a year but had monthly phone calls (back when a “conference call” was the thing to do). As we moved closer to the actual camp, we would have side conversations and smaller meetings to solidify our plans. I built many relationships through the many years of leading these camps together, and I learned so much from these faithful servants. I walked with these people through difficult church situations, family struggles, and ministry questions. I was so thankful for this group and what they meant to me as I grew up in ministry. As I progressed in ministry, I found another organization that serves the local church in several ways. This group of people has been incredibly important to me over the last ten years as I have moved into different seasons of ministry. Look around your denomination, region, or just your group of ministry friends. There are likely projects you can work on together that will both hone your ministry skills and help you build some solid relationships that will last a lifetime.

When it comes to you and your journey, make sure you have a solid group of friends who love you for who you are and help you live in Christian community. For years, I had a group of people who did life together and led with me in the youth ministry at our church. These were peers who were my age, parents of students, and people a little younger than me. It was the body of Christ that was working together in a local context and running the race marked out for us. Communities like these are critical for all of us to be a part of as we both grow in our faith and leadership development.

Finally, consider creating environments where parents can build solid relationships; they need to be encouraged in both their parenting and their faith. Some parents find themselves feeling isolated and lonely, not having the deep relationships they crave to thrive in the world. They need positive voices in their life, helping them feel confident in their parenting and spurring them along in their faith. As a leader in your church and community, you have the opportunity to help parents develop the Christian friendships they need. Pay attention to whether or not the parents in your church would benefit from more witnesses in their lives, and do everything you can to surround them with other faith-filled individuals who can help them along the way.