ISSUE #3
When the Ceiling Finally Caves In
Think about this:
"You don't notice the small cracks until everything comes crashing down."
The choices we make—or avoid—seem insignificant until they aren't.
In ministry, we focus on the urgent problems. Programs need fixing. People need guidance. Crises demand attention. But here's the truth—it's the small cracks we ignore that do the most damage.
Maybe you have felt it. That subtle nagging in your spirit. The quiet exhaustion creeping in. The warning signs you keep brushing off because something else feels more pressing.
But cracks do not fix themselves.
This week, we're focusing on the daily choices that are quietly shaping your life and ministry. These are the choices you may have been avoiding because they don't feel urgent—even though they're crucial.
This is not about guilt or blame—it's about not ignoring the cracks.
Right now, someone reading this knows exactly what crack they're ignoring. That nagging health issue. That relationship tension. That spiritual warning sign.
I know. Because I just got off a coaching call that hit too close to home...
You're not alone!
—Tim
FEATURED ARTICLE
The Day Everything Catches Up
I got off a coaching call with a pastor this morning who admitted, "I couldn't get out of bed two weeks ago." Not because he was sick. Not because he was exhausted. Because something deeper had caught up.
“I never knew what depression felt like,” he said. “But I do now.”
His words hit home. A few days ago, I got up from my recliner, and my body screamed at me. Ten years after spine surgery, I knew the signs. I went to the doctor hoping for an easy answer or a quick fix. Instead, he hit me with a question I didn’t expect, “What did you do to cause this?”
Not “How bad is it?” Not “What’s the fix?” But “What did you do?”
I wanted to push back. Because I didn’t “cause” my degenerative disc disease. But as I sat with his question, I realized the truth. While I couldn’t control my condition, I could've been doing the basic work of strengthening my core. In other words, "What didn't I do?"
Simple exercises. Daily maintenance. Small decisions would've been massive.
And here’s the hard truth that pastor was coming to terms with. While he couldn’t control all the pressures of ministry—or the reality of depression—there were warning signs he’d ignored. Small, consistent actions could have built his resilience, helping him face life’s pressures without letting them spiral. Whether it’s depression, burnout, or everyday challenges, we can address the cracks before they grow.
What are you ignoring? What cracks are threatening to take you out?
This isn’t about blame—it’s about ownership. Let me show you what I mean...
QUICK TIPS
Daily Choices that Actually Matter
The Morning Question: Stop asking "What do I have to do today?" Start asking "What small choice will strengthen my core today?" Because your to-do list isn't killing you—your lack of basic maintenance is.
The Reality Check: Track your energy—not just your activities. Notice when you're strongest. And when you're weakest. That's not time management—that's life and ministry management.
The Basic Work:
Identify one core practice in each area:
- Spiritual: What feeds your soul daily?
- Physical: What strengthens your body?
- Emotional: What stabilizes your heart?
- Mental: What clears your mind?
The Non-Negotiable: Pick your smallest, most basic practice and make it sacred. Not the impressive one. Not the spiritual-sounding one. The basic one you know you need.
Pro Tip: Start so small it feels embarrassing. Five minutes of exercise. Two minutes of silence. One verse to meditate on. Because you'll actually do it without making excuses.
SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT
"The wake-up call I needed."
Aaron hit his wall three months ago. Not in a dramatic crash. Not in a moral failure. But in what he calls, "The accumulated cost of laziness."
"I was great at the big stuff," he admits. "Crisis management. Vision casting. Emergency response. But I was terrible at basic maintenance. Wouldn't do my physical therapy exercises. Skipped my quiet times. Ignored the small adjustments everyone kept telling me to make."
Then one morning, he crashed. Not from an injury. Just the toll of neglect.
"My doctor said something I won't forget: 'Your body is charging you for all the maintenance you've skipped.'"
Today, Aaron has restructured his life around small, daily practices. "The irony? My ministry is more effective now that I'm focusing on less. Turns out doing the basics well matters more than doing the extras poorly."
His turning point? "When I realized God wasn't impressed by my willingness to burn out for Him."
WEEKLY DOWNLOAD
The Core Strength Audit
Stop guessing what needs attention. This practical guide helps you:
- Identify your core practices in every area
- Track your small daily choices
- Spot your maintenance gaps
- Build sustainable rhythms
LEADERSHIP SHARABLE
Building Teams That Last
Most team development focuses on skills and strategies. But what if we focused on core strength? This week's leadership resource helps you:
- Identify essential daily practices for your team
- Build maintenance rhythms that prevent crisis
- Create a culture of sustainable strength and growth
Note: This Leadership Shareable is a weekly tool for premium subscribers.
UPCOMING EVENT
Live Webinar: "Live Your Mission"
đź“… Thursday, January 29 | 1 PM EST
This 90-minute session will teach you how to:
- Replace resolutions with a life mission.
- Align your intentions with your calling.
- Make intentional choices that last.
- Free for everyone this month only.
CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK
Your Daily Core Work
Complete this exercise: List the basic practices you're currently skipping. Not the impressive ones. The basic ones. The small daily choices you know would make a difference. Share one practice in the comments you're committing to. Your honesty might help someone else make adjustments. (All comments stay within our trusted community.)
NEXT MONTH'S TOPIC
Building Resilience
In February, we're focusing on resilience. Here are the weekly topics:
- Week 1: Foundations of Resilience
- Week 2: Mental Strength in Ministry
- Week 3: Spiritual Resilience
- Week 4: Turning Setbacks into Strength
VIDEO
Message from Tim Eldred
I had a great video planned for you this week...but I've been in bed for three days with a fever of 101 to 102. So needless to say...I'm less than creative. Figured I'd just lay here and write, not record. As always, feel free to call.
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