Latinos are at the center of an incredible number of issues in our current civil discourse and political dialogue, ranging from immigration and sanctuary cities to voting power to housing insecurity and homelessness. The vast majority of Latinos reflect hardworking American values, dedicated to this country's success and prosperity. However, they face a proportionately larger set of unfortunate challenges because of the comparatively few bad actors.
Latino pastors and civic leaders are a great example of this challenging juxtaposition. Not only do they face their own challenges, but they are also responsible for guiding their congregations through an ever-changing cultural climate and being a voice of calm amid chaos, confusion, and rampant misinformation.
As a pastor myself, I can tell you firsthand that this is exhausting. Similar to doctors, firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel, a pastor’s job is non-stop. Rest is hard to come by, and all too often, the demands of others mean there is no time left for spiritual or personal development.
The lack of rest and high demand leaves pastors and other leaders in a difficult situation. They are supposed to give and serve even when they feel empty and burnt out.
The truth is, you cannot give something you have used up and no longer have. You cannot love others without caring for yourself.
A symptom of this stress is isolation. During stressful times one of the first things to be sacrificed is life-giving peer relationships. Since those relationships don’t typically require much effort and are easy to fall back on, they often get set aside when capacity feels limited.
Stress builds and symptoms compound, often including the onset of compassion fatigue, and ultimately lead to mental health issues for pastors. As a result, pastors, leaders, and congregations suffer. It becomes a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape.
A new approach is needed. One that is built on grit and grace, sacrifice and support, balance and belief.
The first step here is awareness; simply understanding the incredible toll that caring for so many has on leaders. This understanding naturally leads to compassion from others, which is expressed in tangible care. People underestimate the impact of an intentionally kind word or the offer of a helping hand. There is tremendous power in being seen and acknowledged.
Second is community. Isolation is the enemy of impact. Latinos are uniquely prepared to succeed here. Our culture is saturated with community. We are deeply relational and will go to incredible lengths to support friends, family and even strangers.
These unique gifts need to be unleashed. Latino leaders need to lean on one another. We weren’t created to go through life alone. We were meant to learn from each other as we continue pursuit of the Kingdom of God.
Third and finally, Latino leaders need rest. Even incredible effort is unhelpful if it comes from an unhealthy place. And in order to be an effective and healthy leader, intentional rest must be prioritized. It requires slowing down — something many Latino leaders, myself included, struggle to do.
When these three things — awareness, community, and rest — are aligned, the resulting refreshment of our nation’s Latino leaders will be palpable and powerful. They will be unleashed with renewed purpose and vigor and filled afresh with the Holy Spirit’s power.
That’s exactly what’s happening at this year’s NHCLC Leadership Summit. Latino leaders from around the world will gather together to encourage and uplift one another and come together to discuss Kingdom priorities.
We’re dreaming big about immigration solutions, community education on voting and civic engagement and how to finally break the chains of the homelessness crisis. These are lofty goals. But we believe these goals are more than possible when we orient ourselves to the Spirit and work of God while coming together as brothers and sisters united in faith.
Latino leaders on fire for God. That is what the world needs.
