January 2022 marks three years since we transitioned from local church ministry. Unlike thousands of ministry leaders around the country, we were not on the front lines leading a church through the stress of a pandemic in a polarized nation and sadly within polarized congregations. However, we have watched and wept with those who have. Pastors and staff members are exhausted from strategy meetings and broken-hearted by congregation members who have fired shots at their character. We have sat with those who could no longer endure the weight. What has happened to these deeply wounded leaders? Burn out from being burned and others leaving ministry altogether. These words from a book I recently read could be echoed by many in leadership. 

"He stared vacantly out of the window. So much to do. So little energy. His open Bible glowered, chiding his failure to read, work, write. His inbox and in-tray ticked up and up, each task whispering, 'So much to do. So many people. Such deep needs. So little time. So little energy.' Prayer burdens stacked up day after day after day. Burnout is a terrible price to pay for Christian zeal." -- Zeal Without Burnout by Christopher Ash 

This world of pastors, Christian leaders, and their families is the world that Suzi and I feel called to come alongside, to see, and listen to those who lead churches and organizations seeking to make a difference for Christ and God's Kingdom. 

As the world begins to open back up, opportunities to meet with people in person are happening. While we still use Zoom, our face-to-face meetings, which we prefer, are increasing. Suzi has led multiple Bible studies allowing her to point ladies to Jesus as well as mentor them. Preaching, which was once a large part of my job, has graciously been afforded me 14 times this past year. What an honor it has been. 

The first weekend in November, we held our first mentoring retreat. In partnership with Leighton Ford Ministries, we invited three young pastors and their wives to join us for a time of rest and refreshment. All three church planters are in the Carolinas. God was gracious, and we came away from the time energized by the Spirit. Here are some comments from those couples: 

"We cannot thank you both enough for such a challenging and yet refreshing weekend. We both feel that this group is important for us to be a part of, and we are thrilled by you guys leading and for the other great couples joining us. A spirit of authenticity, truth, and grace created a wholesome and rich environment. We do feel seen, heard, and known. We came away refocused and in some ways rejuvenated for the continued journey ahead." 

Another comment: 

"Thank you for your investment in us this weekend. Would you please pass on our thanks to your friends and your board members who helped make it happen? We had a ball. I appreciate you and Suzi so much. I look forward to the next few years together." 

On a personal note, it has been a year with unique highs and lows, joys and sorrows mixed. There have been many deep and difficult conversations with the Lord over his ways. There have been days when I want to punch the guy who said we need to "struggle well with life," oh wait – that would be me! But, when it is all said and done, we are learning afresh and anew to trust in Jesus and place our hope in him. 

As the calendar turns to 2022 in just a few weeks, we look forward with anticipation to what God has in store for us. Several things are already on the books, including helping to lead a pilgrimage to Israel with Walt Wiley and WWE. We are planning to go from March 25th – April 5th. Go to WWE's website for details. 

So many of you have faithfully and generously supported us, and we are humbled and deeply grateful. These funds make it possible to care for pastors, leaders, and their families regardless of their finances. Would you prayerfully consider joining us and giving to Tandem? Even more than that, would you pray for us, for stamina, endurance, and wisdom?

You can use the following address to mail your donation (Tandem Spirituality 7845 Colony RD., Suite C4-236 Charlotte, NC 28226), or you can give online here. All gifts are tax deductible.

Humbly and grateful, 

Jimmy and Suzi