Modern humans have invented a multitude of ways to communicate with each other. Not that many years ago, pagers were cutting-edge telecommunications devices. Someone called your pager and sent you their call back number, and then you called them back — after you found the nearest payphone. Today, mobile phones make it so much easier to find people almost anywhere. Texting and video calls make us reachable even when we don’t want to be found.
As important as it is to stay connected with people we care about, Jesus calls his disciples— perhaps especially those of us who lead others— to stay connected to him. The more uncertainty and chaos swirl around us, the more crucial it is for us as leaders to be vigilant about our spiritual wellbeing.
In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (NRSVUE). The vine provides sustenance and stability. The survival of the branches depends upon their connection to the vine. Knowing the disciples were about to face a future filled with persecution, Jesus told them in advance, “Abide in me as I abide in you” (v. 4). Likewise, our capacity to thrive in leadership is rooted in the spiritual practices that keep us connected to Christ.
When we are leading others, we can become spiritually disconnected when we say “yes” to too many obligations and don’t leave enough margin in our lives to spend intentional time in God’s presence. Sometimes we aren’t overcommitted, but we fall out of the habit of the spiritual disciplines. Jesus calls us to stay connected to him.
As you lead your congregation, always remember that you are the branch and Jesus is the vine: “the branch cannot bear fruit by itself” (v. 4).
Resources
Inspired by a recent retreat, a United Methodist pastor writes about his experience and how the value of Ignatian practices extends across faith traditions.
By Justin Coleman
How prayer, ritual and culture are sustaining the movement for liberation in times of crisis
Liturgies of liberation offer “a shared moral vision for a better world.”
By Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar
How a clergy respite helped spiritual leaders weather the storm of Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina in 2024, pastors were on the front lines of the recovery efforts. A retreat offered by the United Methodist Church helped them rest and recover.
By Kenneth H. Carter Jr. and Kim Ingram
Humbling ourselves to welcome one another in the spirit of hospitality
A mother’s boundless generosity reflects the Christian call to hospitality, writes an associate director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program.
By Angel Eaglin
Before you go
Staying spiritually connected to God is not just a nice option — it is a necessity. This connection grounds us with a deeper purpose, reminding us that our identity is rooted in whose we are, not in what we do. When we nurture our relationship with God through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, scripture, worship and silence, we open ourselves to God’s wisdom, strength and peace. We are not chasing perfection. We are pursuing God’s presence. When the work we do feels overwhelming, staying connected spiritually becomes even more vital. Without it, we risk leading from a place of emptiness rather than overflow. With it, we lead with humility, compassion and courage.
You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!
Prince R. Rivers
Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity