Misunderstanding: heart + work
About this month’s gathering…
“It’s not work, it’s ministry.”
You may have heard it said in different ways, but the sentiment is the same. As faith-filled leaders, we’re often faced with the challenge of navigating the fine-line between vocational work and career life vs. calling and ministry life. Where does one end and one begin? Is there any distinction? Does it even matter?
In my experience, it definitely does matter, and – whether we realize it or not - it can significantly impact our effectiveness to grow and develop as healthy leaders.
“Misunderstanding: heart + work”
In preparation for this month's conversation, I'd love for you to take some time thinking through these five questions. Both before and after our meet-up, these are great topics to process in your journal or prayer time:
What is your biggest personal area of rub/struggle when it comes to heart + ministry? (And why do you think that is?)
Getting paid for ministry
Using gifts in a public way
Using social media for ministry
Something else
Where have you unintentionally treated “ministry for God” as exempt from due diligence —such as planning, accountability, skill development, structure or boundaries?
In what way(s) have you utilized spiritual language like, “I’m trusting God with my ministry,” to avoid the hard work God was actually calling you to do?
…and vice versa (Where did you need to trust God with your ministry vs. constantly striving?)
What does it look like to honor God not only through our spiritual motives in ministry, but through the quality, faithfulness, and endurance of the work itself— especially when the work feels ordinary or exhausting?
These are tough questions that deserve honest inner reflection, but I know there is so much to be gained when we bring these issues to light and to the feet of Jesus. Can’t wait to discuss more during our monthly gathering!
Final Retreat Preparations
To those who have RSVP'd for our Ministry Cohort Retreat, we can't wait to see you in Charlotte, NC in just a few days! A separate email will be sent your way with all the final details to help you prepare. In the meantime, feel free to post any questions in the GroupMe chat.
And, if you're not able to attend, you'll certainly be missed, but we'll have one more opportunity to gather online in March, PLUS…
How to stay connected (+ join the NEXT cohort!)
This first Ministry Strong Cohort group has truly been special. It’s been such a gift to grow, share and connect over these past 6 months, and I’ll never forget the tender stories, testimonies each of you have shared in our group calls. (Truly, what a gift!)
It’s evident God is working in your lives, and my prayer is that He’ll continue moving in mighty ways this year.
That said, our initial 6-month commitment is coming to a close, and I fully bless & release you to pursue whatever God is calling you to in the coming months. However, I realize some of you may feel led to continue...
Here’s what that might look like:
Developing a plan to stay connected with your current cohort members. While you still have access to the private GroupMe chat, this is a great time to discuss if your group would like to continue chatting or meeting on a regular basis. After March, our team will no longer facilitate/host the chat or organize zoom calls, but we welcome you to take the initiative from here. Whether you choose to stay regularly connected as an entire group or with 1-2 individuals that you have a special connection with, feel free to exchange phone numbers and emails. That’s what this is all about!
Joining the Spring Ministry Strong Cohort (March-August 2026). Applications are now open for new cohort groups forming this Spring. Same 6-month timeline, same format, same size groups – but brand new topics and women will be in each group! If you feel God nudging you to continue on in the cohort - we’d love for you to join. As an added benefit, current cohort members DO NOT need to reapply, but you may simply confirm your spot by emailing melody@lisawhittle.com by February 25th.
Applying for private coaching with Lisa. If you’re craving more personal mentorship, guidance and accountability in the coming year, explore one-on-one coaching with Lisa. Whether you’re working on a book project or navigating the dynamics of ministry life, Lisa meets with several individuals on a monthly basis for personal coaching. Email kayla@lisawhittle.com to inquire about openings.
And regardless of which path you take – it’s been an honor taking this journey with you, and I can’t wait to finish strong during our final couple of months together.
See you during this month’s online call!