Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction: Serving without a safety net -- Juggling the demands of your calling -- Are you driven or called? -- Discovering counterbalances in ministry -- Sharpening the focus of your vision -- Running with your eyes closed : ministry without a godly vision -- Developing a balanced vision : when God shows the way -- Gaining balance by building teams -- More shoulders, lighter loads : God's design for team ministry -- The character of a balanced team : keys for building an effective team -- Cultivating genuine humility -- The indispensable quality of humility -- Fighting to maintain a humble perspective -- A life rooted in humility -- Learning to grow through your troubles -- Owning my mistakes : trouble I bring on myself -- Seizing teachable moments : failure can produce growth -- When your character is under fire : the withering effect of personal attacks -- Preparing a wise response : seasoned maturity in action -- Facing the inevitability of change -- "Something has got to change!" knowing when transitions are right -- Leading the charge for change : your role in making it happen -- Combating spiritual dryness -- Recognizing the symptoms of spiritual dryness -- How did I get here? : factors contributing to spiritual dryness -- Coming out of the desert : He restores my soul! -- Concluding thoughts.