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The following is the second part of an interview with Lynn Anderson, director of MentorNetwork.  Lynn is an author, long time minister, and an encourager/mentor to many.  This interview is simply a sample of his ministry as he reflects on staying fresh for the long haul.  (You can find Part 1 here.)  I will be posting a series of video interviews that I did with Lynn which you might find very encouraging.  In the meantime, you might enjoy checking out Lynn’s own blog here MentorNetwork website.
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Jim Martin:  Many of us wrestle with the sheer amount of work to be done, not to mention the overwhelming nature of the emotion involved.  We go from funerals to weddings to a child’s soccer game, all of which elicit different emotions.  What can a person do to remain emotionally healthy while in ministry?

Lynn Anderson:  True, the emotional toll of ministry can gradually erode our emotional and mental health.  In fact, the torque on the psyche can be so distorting that I recommend that ministers periodically go through some sort of psychological analysis — whether through some introspective “self-examination” instrument or book or retreat.  I even recommend occasional sessions with a counselor or mental health professional as a sort of “gut-check.“  That can sound unnerving, but possibly the very fact we fear or resist that idea may itself be a red flag.
Of course, by all means I have to get regular exercise — I walk and jog several miles, three to five times a week.  This clears the cobwebs and releases the “happy” endorphins or whatever they are.
In the heat of ministry, we absolutely must find a rhythm between “service and reflection,“ between “the masses and the mountain,“ between “giving and receiving.“  Between people who are “draining” and people who are “energizing.“  I can go flat when I keep “giving out” without “taking in.“  But on the other hand, I can also go flat by “taking in and taking in” without “giving out” — become bookish and detached — flat.  Also I find it emotionally and spiritually refreshing to build variety into ministry functions — so I am not stuck on a daily treadmill, but get re-invigorated by a change of pace, scene and task.
Good music and good books feed me as well — even quality novels and the classics.  And, I need time to just plain have fun, with Carolyn or the family, or friends.  Just rare back and laugh a while.

Submitted by Jim Martin

To view my video interviews with Lynn Anderson click here.