Leadership Journal

Walking Prayer. Often as I sort through emails, study for Sunday, or think about how to handle a difficult situation, I leave my desk and walk the neighborhood. I use the walk to pray about the things that I am working on. The walking also alleviates anxiety, and the prayer brings greater faith and clarity about the tasks before me.

Networking with people outside of my normal circle. I make a habit of connecting with people from a variety of churches. I find encouragement in our shared struggles, I find joy in meeting and making new friends, and I get a dose of life-giving humility that God's mission is much larger than my immediate sphere of ministry.

Serving with a team of equals. Five years ago we transitioned to a flat leadership structure. Instead of having one senior pastor with supporting elders, we now have four pastors with equal authority. While this raised a few eyebrows, and many wondered if it was really possible, it has brought great health and stability to our leaders and to the church. None of us has to bear the burden of our church alone. And I've found serving in this new structure liberating and refreshing.

—C.J. Coffee is lead teacher at The Well Community Church in Portland, Oregon.

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