Managing Stress

[Coaching Lesson #10 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Building Effective Teams, Phase 3]

Stress has been defined as “the response our nervous system makes to a perceived or actual threat.” Stress makes our blood pressure go up and can make us irritable and angry.

Stress is often caused by the pressures of life, some of which are real and some that are simply perceived. Both can produce stress that can damage our health, hurt our relationships with others, and keep us from being the leaders God wants us to be.

Effective leaders who lead, love, and serve like Jesus learn to manage their stress.

How Jesus Handled Stress (Mark 14:32-42 and 1 Peter 2:20-23)

Jesus faced stressful circumstances on numerous occasions, but all of these were minor in comparison to the stress he endured from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Cross.

Jesus’ response to stress serves as an example for us to follow. Jesus turned to the Father and surrendered everything to him. He did not become angry, nor did He make threats or retaliate. He simply “entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” May we all learn to follow this example and model it for those we lead.

Paul’s Advice (Philippians 4:4-9, 12-13)

In this passage Paul teaches us how we should handle the situations we face that may be difficult and stressful. We are to be “thankful” in all situations—good or bad—and to turn them over to God. Paul further tells us to meditate (think about) on those things that are pure, truthful, noble, lovely, and praiseworthy. The result? God will help us handle all the stressful situations and difficulties of life.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of things that cause stress in your life? What is your typical response to stress? How could you better manage stress?
2. Why is a strong prayer life a requirement if we are going to effectively deal with stressful situations that we may face?
3. Why is it important for Christian leaders to model for their followers the ability to manage stress?
4. Often stress can lead to “burn-out” in which a person is no longer enthusiastic, joyful, or motivated by their work or service. Why does this happen to Christians, causing them to no longer want to serve? How can you help prevent “burn-out” on your team?