Mental Health and Leadership: The Association of Related Churches Shares One Journey of Discovery
In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of mental health in leadership cannot be overstated. The Association of Related Churches (ARC), a network of churches dedicated to planting and growing life-giving churches, has long recognized the critical role that mental health plays in effective leadership. One story that profoundly highlights this connection is that of Steve Robinson, a senior pastor whose journey through burnout and recovery offers invaluable lessons for leaders globally.
Robinson never anticipated the challenges he would face when he founded Church of the King. Starting with just 19 people, the church grew rapidly, peaking at over 3,200 members just before Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. The aftermath of the hurricane marked the beginning of a new journey for Robinson—one that would lead him to a deeper understanding of mental health and its vital role in leadership.
In 2010, Robinson hit a wall. The pressures of leading a megachurch, compounded by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the financial strains of The Great Recession, culminated in his experiencing severe burnout. “I can’t do this anymore,” he confessed to his executive pastor, Randy Craighead. This moment of vulnerability was the catalyst for Robinson’s transformative journey into mental health awareness and recovery.
As he recounts to the Association of Related Churches, Robinson’s recovery process was multifaceted and spanned 18 months. It included professional counseling, life coaching, and a reduction in his preaching duties. He went from delivering five sermons a week to three, with the other two being video recordings. This reduction in workload allowed him to regain a sense of balance between his professional responsibilities and personal life. “I stopped trying to be the savior of Church of the King and just embraced being a leader,” he recalls.
One of the most profound changes during Robinson’s recovery was the reorganization of Church of the King’s leadership structure. He shifted from a model where a single executive pastor oversaw 17 ministries to a more distributed leadership team model, ensuring that the burden of leadership was shared. This change simultaneously lightened his load and helped him empower other leaders within the church to take on more responsibility.
Robinson’s journey didn’t stop at personal recovery. His experience led him to pursue a Doctorate of Ministry at Southeastern University, where he focused on researching trauma in leaders, particularly pastors of megachurches. His insights revealed the deep impact that trauma can have on the mental health of leaders—and the importance of addressing these issues head-on. “A crisis can produce a traumatized brain,” Robinson says. His studies highlighted that trauma can lead to confusion, isolation, and deception, all of which are detrimental to effective leadership.
The Association of Related Churches has been instrumental in promoting mental health awareness among its network of church leaders. By sharing Robinson’s story and emphasizing the importance of mental health, the Association of Related Churches encourages leaders to seek help when needed and to prioritize their well-being. Robinson’s insights are particularly valuable for the ARC’s mission, as they highlight the need for support systems and professional help in maintaining the health of church leaders.
Robinson’s journey underscores several key takeaways for leaders of ARC churches and beyond:
- Acknowledge Vulnerability: Admitting when you’re struggling is the first step toward recovery. Vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s a strength that opens the door to necessary support and healing.
- Seek Professional Help: Counseling and life coaching were crucial in Robinson’s recovery. Professional help can provide the tools and perspectives needed to navigate burnout and trauma.
- Distribute Leadership: Sharing the responsibilities of leadership helps prevent overload and burnout. A distributed leadership model ensures that no single person bears the entire burden.
- Promote Mental Health Awareness: Organizations like the Association of Related Churches promote mental health awareness among its members. By sharing stories like Robinson’s, the ARC helps destigmatize mental health issues and encourages leaders to seek help.
Steve Robinson’s story powerfully reminds us that mental health is a critical component of effective leadership. His journey from burnout to recovery offers valuable lessons for leaders in the Association of Related Churches and beyond. By prioritizing mental health and embracing a supportive leadership model, church leaders can enhance their own well-being and lead their congregations more effectively.
About The Association of Related Churches (ARC)
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) is a collaborative network that unites independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share Jesus Christ’s teachings. The ARC focuses on empowering and equipping church leaders to foster the widespread dissemination of Christ’s life-changing message.
Founded in 2000, the Association of Related Churches has grown into a global entity, facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches worldwide. The network’s success is built on its commitment to relationships and community, reflecting its foundational belief that ministry is most effective when done together.