By Deacon Peggy Hahn (she/her), Co-Director at LEAD

Stop saying these two things to yourself:

1. The church is dying. It’s more of a club than a mission.
2. I have no idea what I am doing. I am an imposter.

What we say to ourselves has the power to tear down or build up our personal capacity. Our self-talk shapes how we show up as leaders at home, at work, and in the church.

From the very beginning, God’s people have wrestled with the weight of their calling. The Apostle Paul wrote about this often—his letters to the early church are filled with reminders that we are called in our weakness, not because we’ve got it all figured out.

There are days when I need those reminders printed out and taped to my computer screen. (See below.) The church is not dying—it’s transforming. The next version of the church might look very different from what we know today (think Saul to Paul), but God’s church has persisted for centuries. It’s not dying on our watch because it’s not ours to control.

Even a quick read of Jesus’ life in the Gospels shows that his followers have always stumbled their way forward. The disciples misunderstood, doubted, argued, and still—they were sent.

So when you catch yourself spiraling into discouragement or self-doubt, pause and remember these two truths:

1. You’re not alone. God has always worked through ordinary people who felt unqualified. Your uncertainty isn’t a flaw—it’s a reminder of your need for grace.
2. The mission still matters. The Holy Spirit hasn’t stopped moving. The church isn’t dying—it’s evolving. Stay curious. Stay faithful. Keep showing up.

God’s story isn’t finished yet—and neither is yours.

• What words or phrases do you find yourself repeating that drain your confidence or hope?
• How have you seen God’s Church change or adapt in your lifetime?
• What helps you remember that the Church belongs to God, not to us?
• Where might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to “keep showing up” even when it feels uncertain?
• What would it look like to replace negative self-talk with truth this week?

Here are two scriptures worth printing for encouragement:

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.

Romans 12:15-21

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.