The Healthy Christian Leader
The Healthy Christian Leader Show is a podcast by the Aaron Ministries Network for those who are leading in their churches, businesses, communities, or elsewhere. Weekly episodes feature conversations with local leaders about their experiences in topics of growth and health. We trust that these discussions will encourage, focus, and equip you for your unique journey as a Christian leader! For more information, visit our website aaronministries.com.
The Healthy Christian Leader
Navigating Emotional Boundaries as a Church Leader | Jay Guptill
In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl speaks with Jay Guptill, a pastor with 40 years of experience in ministry. Jay shares insights into the emotional challenges church leaders face, especially the toll that emotional investment in others can have on a leader’s well-being.
Jay discusses the importance of self-awareness, recognizing how different personalities (introverts vs. extroverts) recharge, and the need for leaders to understand their own emotional needs. He emphasizes that pastors often overextend themselves due to a tendency to please others or take on too much responsibility, which can lead to burnout. He also talks about the importance of setting emotional boundaries, making sure that personal life and family time are prioritized, and not letting unspoken expectations drain a leader.
The conversation also touches on the signs of emotional depletion, including physical symptoms like headaches, sleep issues, and a disinterest in being around others. Jay suggests that church leaders need to regularly check in with their emotional health, ensuring they practice self-care and seek help when needed.
