Everything Flows from the Soul
As a pastor, especially one pioneering a church, the weight of responsibility can be immense. You’re not just managing tasks — you’re dealing with eternity. People’s lives and souls are affected by the choices you make, the sermons you preach, and the leadership you provide. There’s a natural urgency that comes with this calling, and rightly so. But in the midst of all this, there is one truth that must never be lost: everything flows from the soul.
When you’re pioneering a work, everything flows from you. You are the main driver. Vision, direction, momentum, and spiritual climate often begin with the pastor. But no matter the size of your ministry, the level of responsibility you carry, or the expectations placed upon you, your number one priority has not changed — to maintain a healthy soul and a vibrant, personal relationship with God.
Your people need many things: structure, clarity, guidance. But above all, they need a healthy pastor — someone whose soul is aligned with God, someone walking in peace, joy, and hope. An unhealthy soul will eventually bleed out, and when it does, it begins to affect your family, your team, your church, and your ministry.
Your first responsibility is not to your to-do list. It’s not to your Sunday message. It’s not even to your church. Your first responsibility is to find hope, peace, joy, and contentment in God. This isn’t about condemning yourself for not praying “enough” or for not reading as many scriptures as someone else. That would only rob you of the very peace and joy you’re trying to cultivate.
Instead, this is about the posture of your soul — turning your inner gaze toward God. Making space for Him, not just in your schedule, but in your spirit. As you plan your day, your week, your month, be intentional about planning moments to experience God. Ask yourself: Where will I find His peace today? Where will I find joy and contentment in Him this week?
The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” Your job is to show up, plant, water, and believe — but ultimately, you must trust God with the increase. Do your best, but realize that God does the rest.
One of the ways you can keep your soul healthy is by speaking to it. The psalmist models this powerfully in Psalm 103:1: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” And in Psalm 42:5, he asks, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
This is not mindless self-talk. This is not the flesh echoing fear, failure, or comparison. This is spirit-filled truth calling your soul to remember God. When you feel frustration rising, when anger or intimidation creeps in, when the weight becomes overwhelming — that’s the time to speak to your soul. Bring God back into the equation. Remind yourself of His promise, not just the problem.
We see this principle illustrated in Luke 10:38–42, when Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is distracted, stressed, and overwhelmed by her responsibilities. Mary, however, is sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His word. Martha’s soul was troubled, and it showed — in her words, her tone, her attitude. Jesus gently corrected her, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
An unhealthy soul will spill out — into your marriage, your parenting, your team, your church. And an unhealthy pastor will struggle to help others find the way to a healthy soul. You cannot build a healthy community without healthy souls.
So look at your schedule. Plan your week. Organize your ministry. But also plan how you’ll experience God. Where will you meet Him in worship? When will you sit quietly and reflect on His goodness? How will you cultivate joy and contentment in Him?
Remember: Everything flows from the soul. Guard it, nourish it, speak to it, and keep it aligned with the God who called you.