Wednesday With Seth Caddell

It’s time for another edition of the Serving Strong “Wednesday’s With” blog series. This is the place to come on Wednesdays and hear how real life ministry leaders are staying strong in their calling. The main reason for this series is to counter all the negative news of ministry failure and burnout statistics we are so used to seeing. I firmly believe that as we highlight what’s WORKING, burnout will eventually become a part of the past.  To review the previous interviews conducted in this series, click here.

Today we spend a little time with Seth Caddell.

SS: Hello, Seth. Thanks for taking the time to speak into the Serving Strong community. First, tell us where you serve and what position of leadership you hold.

SC: I am the Associate Minister of Adult Ministries at Northside Christian Church in Yorktown, VA.  I oversee our Servant Evangelism projects, and trying to get 20s-30s connected to Community Groups.

SS: Tell us a little about your life.

SC: I’ve been married for only 2 years, to my beautiful wife Bethany.  I enjoy Disc Golf, blogging, Xbox 360, and hanging out at the beach.

SS: Which is a better description of healthy ministry leadership: life balance or life rhythm? Why?

SC: I believe that life rhythm is a better analogy of ministry leadership.  I know churches have highs and lulls, so rhythm seems to be the best description of a healthy ministry.  We have times where we are crunching to get ready for our kickoff, or our missions project, or whatever your church does.  But we also have times where things slow down a little bit, for me it’s after each one of our massive outreach projects, the project is followed by a week or so of easier down time.

SS: If you could choose three lifestyle habits that make the biggest impact to finishing strong in ministry leadership, what would you choose?

READING is the most important way to keep ministry fresh.  It’s an easy way to import some passion for people, outreach, missions, whatever into your life.  A college professor once told me that books are cheaper than moving vans, and that if we want a long life in ministry we better be reading.

SPENDING TIME WITH MY WIFE. I know too many pastors who keep the church as their mistress.  We need to be unapologetic about spending time with our families.  My wife and I spend at least an evening or two a week together, with no one else, no Bible study, or no place we need to be.  Just time together.

PROCESSING INFORMATION. I write.  I blog.  These are the ways I process information.  For some it’s having a discussion with someone, or mulling it over in their minds, or journaling.  Whatever it is, take time each week (each day if you can) to process what God is doing in your life, what He’s teaching you, and what practical step you should take next.  Without time to process we don’t ever grow, we simply rush through life staying the same as we are now, or have always been.

SS: What would you tell someone just starting out in full-time ministry they must do to avoid burning out?

SC: Find a mentor and don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions.  I learned a great deal the hard way before I realized there are countless experienced pastors out there who would love to help me learn from their mistakes.  Mentors can offer encouragement, or challenge you to press on.  Having someone to go to with issues you’re having with ministry, people, programs, whatever is an invaluable asset, and will help you always remember you aren’t alone, and you aren’t the first to deal with a certain problem.

SS: Thanks again, Seth, for taking the time to add value to this blog. I pray the words you used help a ministry leader reading today to remain strong as they serve.

Folks, you gotta check out Seth’s blog. Here are just a few of his recent posts:

Billboards

Bashing

Annoying

I’m always looking for more interviewees. If you are a ministry leader and are interested in being interviewed in this blog series, contact me. I’d LOVE to share how you stay strong!