Hi Reader,

How you doing today?

Honestly, many Mondays are hard, and I know a lot of leaders who find Monday the low point of their week.

I get it. The weekend wasn't long enough. Preaching hangovers are real (I did six keynotes and three days of hosting leaders at the Art of Leadership Live and wasn't as tired as I am after preaching on a Sunday). Plus, on Monday, all your unresolved problems come back to haunt you.

Add to that the reality that discouraged church leaders have been a real issue in the 2020s, and occasionally it gets so difficult that leaders think about ending things.

Yes, suicidal ideation is real.

I recently heard Rick Rubin (the legendary music producer) give the best advice I've heard to someone who had attempted suicide.

"You don't need to die, but something inside you does."

I am not a trained counsellor, but that perspective crystallized for me what I was struggling with two decades ago when suicidal ideation gripped me. I was so discouraged, I began to think the only way through was out. That's a lie the enemy loves to plant in the heads and hearts of people.

“ You don't need to die, but something inside you does. - Rick Rubin

Rick's comment crystallized what was happening inside me when I was struggling.

Something did need to die. A few things actually: my addiction to success, my angry way of living and leading, and my self-pity to name a few.

The weird part is that when those dysfunctional things were on their way out, I felt like I was on my way out. But I wasn't. I was being remade.

We all have down days. But if this is a down season, or you're thinking you need to quit or escape, hang on.

You certainly don't need to die, but perhaps something inside you does.

Once you're free of that thing, life gets much lighter and better.

---

This November, Experience the New Season of The Chosen

The season culminates with The Chosen Crucifixion Movie in March.

Across six episodes starting this fall and into this full-length motion picture in the spring, The Chosen takes viewers to the foot of the cross to see the matchless love of God in the selfless act of his Son.

The new season of The Chosen television series launches exclusively on Prime Video beginning November 15 as The Path to the Cross Begins. Then, The Chosen Crucifixion opens exclusively in theatres on March 12, 2027.

Make your plans now to experience this powerful movie with your church during Lent.

Learn More

---

Steps to grow this week

New Video ​Live Now

AI is trying to erase death. And what Christians can do about it. ​Watch →​

Podcast ​Tuesday

Sean Morgan & Warren Bird on surprises from the largest multisite study ever done. Subscribe →​

New Book ​Available Now

AI and The Future Church is available everywhere. ​Get It Now →​

The Art of Preaching ​Open Now

A Proven Method to Transform Your Preaching. Start Now →​

On The Rise ​Friday

Fresh Barna data on what youth groups today look like. Check your inbox on Friday!

Ready to stop figuring it out alone? The Art of Leadership Academy gives you proven guidance for YOUR church — leadership development and strategies trusted by 20,000+ leaders. Monthly coaching. A community of people advancing the Kingdom. Start for $57/month, cancel any time.

Cheering for you,

P.S. The entire Rick Rubin interview is fascinating. Here's the link if you're curious.

P.P.S. Don't take depression or suicidal ideation lightly. Maybe today is the day to break your silence and call a medical doctor or therapist. I'm praying for you.