Recently, a local parishioner was overheard to say she deeply trusted the character of only four local pastors. Interestingly, and unbeknownst to her, three of those pastors meet together in accountability through SOULeader. The genuine, forthright, compassionate and insightful soulcare that transpires when like-minded pastors convene to share their respective stories is powerful. When facing the challenges of ministry today, pastors crave this type of safe haven. For me, it has served as a resource for revitalization, restoration and healing.
The last thing a pastor or ministry leader needs is for a consultant to come along to tell you that you've done it all wrong. SOULeader, composed of Michael Bischof and his team, takes the sting out of needed change and transition with an approach that is personal and relational, where listening and encouragement are at the core, and where customized solutions are offered without quick fixes and arrogance. Ministry life is complicated, and SOULeader gives leaders hope that there is a way to access personal and ministry transformation that honors the journey thus far and shines light on a preferable path. I've known Michael for nearly 20 years and have been around his team, and I enthusiastically recommend them and their services.
I met Michael Bischof about 3 years ago. We became friends because we do very similar ministries. About 6 months ago I started working under the umbrella of SouLeader Resources. SouLeader Resources is a very unique ministry because it genuinely cares about pastors and the struggles that they face. It's not about giving easy answers but it is about coming along side a pastor, staff or church leaders to help them navigate the difficult waters of life and ministry. I am excited to be a part of this ministry!
SOULeader is a truly helpful and refreshing organization. Not only does it primarily focus on assisting and "gearing up" church staff to be more well-rounded people of God, it also is a great research for any person seeking to find a deeper connection with Christ while at the same time learning to set boundaries, goals, and standards for healthy personal growth. I have personally been blessed with SOULeaders Holistic formation concept and am a much better person because of it.
What an amazingly refreshing concept , and profoundly biblical, SOUL leader is. At a time of history where churches are are on the rapid decline and pastors are dropping like flies, answers become a dime a dozen. For the last fifty years solutions are prescribed in ideas such as changing the worship style one more time, throw marketing money at the problem, corporate style leadership and structures, church growth plans, seminars from superstar pastors taking credit for things they really can’t explain, capital campaigns and the list goes on. All while pastors are imploding to the point of burnout, churches have been reduced to competition as to who can be the most attractive and parishioners see discipleship as picking from their options of religious goods and services. When will the madness stop? When will we admit, while many ideas listed above can be good at times, we are missing the core issue? SOUL Leader is a ministry that pastors the pastors. Taking a holistic view of what it means to be truly healthy. This then trickles down to the church leadership and parishioners. As the parables of Jesus, simple yet deep, SOUL Leader begins the journey with the spiritual leaders, consequently with the church, asking the question, “What does it mean to be spiritually formed?” If the Holy Spirit is doing the transforming, is it possible that pastors, and churches, can get out of the rat race of performance leadership to leadership that comes from the overflow of a deeply devoted follower of Christ? SOUL Leader says yes.
My experience with SOULeader is entirely through Michael Bischof. His commitment to the Lord, to unity and to building godly relationships has been a wonderful asset to our elder team. This is one skillful, gifted man.
I have been part of SOULeader Resources for over 10 years now, and the unique approach we take in empowering wholeness and health in leaders and churches is one of the most exciting causes I've ever been a part of. I believe the pastors and leaders we work with are greatly strengthened in their personal lives and ministries. Even though we've been around over 10 years, not many people know about us since we primarily work on referrals and networks and have done no marketing. All of the funding directed at SOULeader goes into the ministry, allowing us to serve churches and ministries of all sizes and resources.