Imagine leading a church in a bustling city center, where the needs seem endless and the energy is contagious. For those in urban ministry, the challenge is not just in addressing community needs but also in sustaining the internal strength to keep going, day after day. Here, we’ll explore the idea of “Pentecostal Grit”—how resilience and perseverance, underpinned by faith, can keep leaders grounded and energized even in the toughest environments.
What is “Pentecostal Grit,” and Why Does It Matter?
In essence, grit is the combination of passion and perseverance to achieve long-term goals. It’s about sticking with something, even when it’s tough, because you believe it matters. In ministry, especially urban ministry, this becomes critical. The work is often high-stakes, and burnout looms as a real threat. Yet for Pentecostals, grit has an additional dimension. It’s not just about personal resolve; it’s about drawing strength from the Holy Spirit and being fueled by a powerful sense of purpose.
As a pastor and leader at Tree of Life Open Bible Church (TOL), I’ve seen firsthand how integrating this unique type of grit into our leadership helps maintain both spiritual health and effective service. But it’s not without challenges. At TOL, we’ve experienced fast growth, and as our ministry has expanded, some of our initial values have faced strain. How can we keep our leaders spiritually resilient, energized, and aligned with their mission? This is where Pentecostal Grit comes in.
1. Defining Grit: Passion Meets Perseverance
Psychologist Angela Duckworth’s research on grit gives us a practical foundation to understand perseverance. She created the “Grit Scale,” a tool that measures a person’s persistence toward long-term goals. Originally designed to predict whether cadets could endure military training, it captures the commitment needed to stay the course.
In ministry, grit shows up in our commitment to the community, our passion for seeing transformation, and our willingness to endure setbacks. But Pentecostalism adds a spiritual layer—relying on God’s guidance and the Holy Spirit for strength. This distinction can make Pentecostal grit both powerful and sometimes challenging, as we balance spiritual fervor with sustainable practices.
2. The Tempering Process: Resilience through Struggle
Resilience expert Tod Bolsinger uses a powerful metaphor in his book Tempered Resilience, comparing the process of developing resilience to a blacksmith tempering steel. Just as steel is repeatedly heated, hammered, and cooled to strengthen it, leaders often go through cycles of stress and recovery. These struggles, or “crucibles,” form a stronger, more resilient character, necessary to lead well in challenging environments.
In the Pentecostal experience, there’s often a sense of divine purpose in these struggles. We trust that God is working through the hardships to prepare us for greater challenges ahead. It’s this reliance on spiritual resilience that equips us to stay faithful, even when the work is demanding and exhausting.
3. Faith Overreach Syndrome (FOS): When Passion Becomes a Pitfall
Yet, there are pitfalls in our passion. I’ve observed a phenomenon I call Faith Overreach Syndrome (FOS), where leaders’ zeal for doing God’s work pushes them to take on more than they can handle. The result? Burnout. FOS happens when the belief that “I can do all things through Christ…” subtly shifts to “I must do everything.”
FOS not only stretches leaders thin but also affects their accountability. When leaders overcommit, other staff and volunteers often pick up the slack, leading to stress, frustration, and even resentment. Understanding and managing this tendency is crucial for sustaining effective ministry. One way to counter FOS is through goal-setting frameworks, like the S.M.A.R.T. goals method, paired with accountability structures to help leaders set healthy boundaries and avoid overcommitting.
4. Building a Culture of Pentecostal Grit
For grit to thrive, we need to foster a culture that values resilience and clear boundaries. Duckworth emphasizes creating “gritty cultures” where shared values of perseverance are reinforced. For Pentecostals, the gift of tongues and the practice of encouraging each other with affirmations of faith create a unique space for reinforcing grit.
Think of it as a community of belief, where everyone is continually affirmed that they can do hard things—not on their own but through the power of the Holy Spirit. This cultural foundation can help leaders build the resilience they need, making gritty perseverance a shared value that aligns with their Pentecostal identity.
5. The Path to Resilient Ministry: A Christ-Centered Approach
Theological scholar Andrew Purves speaks about the need to center ministry around Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Rather than pushing forward in our own strength, Purves reminds leaders to see their work as part of God’s greater purpose. This shift requires surrender and humility, recognizing that real impact happens when we lean on Christ’s power, not just our own abilities.
Purves offers a comforting reminder for all leaders: we may often find ourselves in the “Saturday” phase of Holy Week, caught between the challenges of Good Friday and the triumph of Easter Sunday. His encouragement is to persevere, trusting that resilience in leadership comes from a foundation grounded in hope and Christ’s resurrection.
Moving Forward: How to Cultivate Grit in Ministry
For those involved in ministry, here are a few practical takeaways:
- Set Boundaries and Stick to Them: Healthy boundaries protect against burnout and allow for sustainable ministry. Make accountability a regular practice.
- Embrace the Struggle: Remember that hardship can shape you, making you a stronger and more resilient leader.
- Nurture Spiritual Disciplines: Practices like prayer, worship, and reflection aren’t just spiritual habits—they’re tools that reinforce resilience by deepening your connection to God.
- Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, especially when times get tough. Remember, grit is often a team effort!
A Final Thought
As we move forward in ministry, it’s crucial to remember that grit isn’t about pushing through alone. It’s about grounding ourselves in God’s power, leaning on our community, and persevering with passion and purpose. If you’re a leader in urban ministry or simply striving to live out your calling, consider how “Pentecostal Grit” might inspire you to stay resilient, even when the journey gets tough.
What aspects of your ministry might benefit from a renewed focus on resilience and grit? How can your community become a place that fosters spiritual strength and encouragement for all who serve?