"A handmade mirror is like an accomplice to my thoughts and a spy of those who know me best... it always screams at me, silently saying, you're not good enough, you don't deserve, you don't know, you can't, etc."
Jon, it's an honor to read your message this morning! God has used you to silence that mirror and put a plug in its mouth!
Amen! God still has much to do with me and through me!
From my experience, most leaders become one by choice. We are attracted to the idea, at least initially, so we pursue it. We take on the burdens of responsibility. But in the back of our mind, we also think that there will be a quid-pro-quo (literally "this for that") for our sacrifice. That our desire for leadership will somehow deliver a sense of fulfillment or satisfaction. And sometimes it does, but more often, it does not. And then we start to think and wonder: "I thought this would be more fun." Wrestling with that realization really helps to dig into our underlying motivations. When leadership isn't satisfying/fulfilling, our internal critic tells us: "Of course it's not fun, because you are not worthy."
Imposter Syndrome arises when we misplace our expectations of leadership. If we assume our leadership will serve and fulfill our need for validation, then we've missed the mark. I have to constantly remind myself that God invites me into leadership because he has given me the gifts to do it. But I do it for his glory, not my own. Or as C.J. Johnson recently said, lordship has to come before leadership.
My goodness Art. That's really really good stuff!! Read us all like a book! Thanks for this addition. I hope lots of people see your thoughts and comments! Great stuff! Thank you for adding it.
Yes been there, done that… yet for some reason still visit it occasionally. Especially here lately with a brand new VP that I report to. The imposter in me has resurfaced. It’s a syndrome that when stripped down is still good ole fear. I have increased my reading in God’s Word to overcome the enemy!! I’ve been reading and immersing myself in specific devos ! Faith eats fear for lunch. 🙌🏼
I don't like the term "Imposter Syndrome". I Prefer the phrase "Walk it Out to Draw it Out"
I’m not an actor. But I’ve done some acting.
Before entering into any kind of leadership roles, I was asked by my church to play a role in vacation Bible school drama. The role was of a confident and experienced knight tasked with turning the kings immature sons into royal princes. I was 19. I wasn’t confident or experienced in much of anything. But they needed some one and my availability was more important than my inability.
So I pretended to be what I wasn’t. Or at least what I hadn’t ever been before. I was confident, or at least acted like I was, and let it affect the way I walked and the way I talked. Somewhere along the way, I changed the way I saw my self. Not just when I was acting. But by acting, I developed something that was in me that had not be developed before. I had leadership gifts.
Those who struggle with imposter syndrome may just be in the process of developing gifts that are hidden to everyone. Including themselves. I don’t like the term imposter syndrome for that reason. It puts a bad label on a necessary process.
The process of walking it out to draw it out.
Every Mr. Olympian had his first day at the gym. Every marathon winner had a first mile they ran. Every great leader had a first day of developing what they didn’t know they had inside.
Very interesting, insightful, and superbly written article, Pastor, thank you. (You are an exceptional author. I am resonating with a lot ot the things from the new ReLeader book, as well. It is running parallel to some huge things that God is doing in my life in the past 4-6 months!)
I am assuming, as with most things, that just because someone has never heard of this issue of "imposter syndrome" or recognized it within themselves, doesn't mean they don't display the symptoms.
The most precious thing, in my humble opinion, to a true Christ-follower verses other religions, is the PERSONAL-ness of our relationship with Jesus. As long as my personal journey and personal convictions do not violate scripture, my journey may look differently than others... and that's what makes it special to me.
There is a definite difference between simply reading the Bible, and reading God's precious Word accompanied by a true REVELATION, or Rhema from Father God.
Seeing the correlation with this "imposter syndrome" and fear, took my mind back to much of my scripture readings from this week. Exodus 13:17 - Exodus 34.
The really special parts were a special "Rhema" for me, from Father God this week.
Exodus 19:4
Exodus 23:20-23
(Rhema - the Holy Spirit will be my guard, guide, and quiet all my fears!)
Exodus 33:12-14
(Rhema - His Presence WILL be with me!!)
These passages then lead me to ponder upon Joshua, chapter one....
Father God is calming my fears, for it "is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit...."
I am trusting that the Spirit of Truth, is capable of overcoming all these fears, as my relationship with the Trinity deepens.
Thank you again. It was new information and very pertinent to where I am in my journey in life.
You are correct. Just because you've never heard of it, doesn't mean it might not be present. It comes for us all in some ways, at certain times. But we can "Notice" it and defeat it!
Human nature leaves everybody, at some point, in a situation that they don’t know, or trust that they can navigate it, due to self perceived ineptness. We are creatures of habit. We often don’t, or even won’t, volunteer for things that we fear might cause a ripple in our pond, for fear of failure. Humility helps. But there is a fine line. We don’t want to be arrogant, however, we must trust in our faith. We are there, in that moment, for purpose. Rather it’s to help others grow, a company grow, or god wanting us to grow. Windy days grow a flowers stalk into a strong foundation. Embrace that wind, and grow stronger
Reflecting on my spiritual journey, this “syndrome” in the kingdom of God is exacerbated by spiritual warfare. I’ve observed that most, if not all, Christian leaders are intensely targeted by Satan in this area. If Satan can inflame and create greater insecurities in them he’s created a deceptive stronghold in their soul. I would say most in Christian leadership are virtually oblivious to this facet of spiritual warfare. My complements in shining a light on a bright light on this spiritual this issue.
Sometimes, we forget who and whose we are, we forget our true identity in Christ and we fall back ibto who we have, at some point, believed all the negative things that Satan has convinced us we are. We can unconsciously begin to agree that we are a disappointment to ourselves and others, we've let everyone down, including ourselves, then that leads to acting like the accusations that Satan is throwing at us.
That's when we desperately need our fellow man to come along side and gently remind us who we truly are, who Father God says we are, someone who can extend grace, to us and pray for us.... we need each other.
We need to be brought back into truth. Who Father God says we are, is truth. We need, in that moment, to rum back to the Father and, like the prodigal son, experience His open arms.
It reminds me of that "Who am I" season we did in Auguat, 2021.... Satan can, through all kinds of methods, convince us we still live in the pigpen, not in our Father's home.
We can try, with all of our might, to reason and logic (left brain,... IQ) that we are children of the King, but I think many, many times, we need to spend time in relationship (right brain, EQ) communion with Jesus and allow Him, through our relationship with Him to do His miraculous healing in us to realign our identity, our intimacy to become a true reality in walking it out.
Sometimes, I really don't think I need Satan's help in accusing and condemning me, it seems, I can do a fine job on my own!
I think the hardest person to forgive is ourselves when we've made all the social blunders, mistakes, missed opportunities, and boatloads of regret....
I seen a vision recently, actually it was of a couple whom I know who are pastors (I graduated HS from a Christian school, 3 of the 5 guys in my class became pastors, through that I have come to realize how pastors endure a whole different level of spiritual warfare, only one of those 3 are still in ministry😪).
This vision was of Niagra Falls. This couple was standing directly under the falls. Father God was giving me insight into how to pray for them. He was telling me that, particularly the man, was feeling like he had made some mistakes in his pastoral position and he just couldn't seem to fully receive the forgiveness of the Father. As I was watching the Niagra Falls water flow over this couple, Father God was saying, "pray that they could fully recognize and experience that water pouring over them as a symbol of my love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, patience, etc. for them."
I only later realize, that vision is applicable for each one of us,.... including myself... what a surprise!
I do want to say, Pastor, thank you from the very bottom of my heart, that you answered the call into ministry!! And you continue to preach hard things that we need to hear that we don't necessarily want to hear. God is using you in a powerful way, through the Holy Spirit, to do a deep work in me. Thank you!
Just this morning, a sermon you preached, IDK, maybe 8-10 months ago popped into my head. It was about the different ways Father God carries us through different seasons of our lives.
Since this imposter syndrome article was written (which, for me, personally, was just a seed you were planting, then God has been arranging circumstances in my life to grow that,.... ) then the sermon/response ltime/prayer, this past Sunday, God and I have been traveling from San Diego, CA to NY, NY in a little klunker car at 30 mph, and Father God has suddenly decided that we need to forget enjoying the scenery. He has picked me up and said, "let's get a move on, let's go by airliner!!!!"
Every single day this week is bringing me into a deep IDENTITY CRISIS!!
😅🤣😂
The person I thought I was most of my life, all this time has been, actually, operating from an imposter syndrome!! WHO KNEW????!!!!!
I have no idea who this person is going to be by the time I arrive in NY!
Please pray for me!!
Good golly, journeying with God is a REAL TRIP!!!!
Such truth in all of this. I’m now starting a new season of pastoring in a new church. My first experience was wrought with the impostor syndrome.
I served in a Pentecostal church where some imbalanced pressure was applied by people who felt every word I spoke must only be an original fresh revelation from God. Otherwise, I wasn’t truly “being Spiritual led”. The head games were intense.
Then the accompanying fact that most everything I knew and understood, I learned from or through others just added more frustration.
My help came once I realized everything originated from The Father! And the grace I’ve received from or through others, didn’t originate from them either. He is the source and He chose how I receive it. My only part is to listen, believe and obey.
I am learning that there are times that our fears/doubts stem from unresolved past trauma.
A good example of this in my personal life, just happened in the past several weeks.
I had truly felt that I had conquered a major fear several weeks ago.
Then I had someone say some things that sent me sideways because it reopened a major childhood trauma wound for me.
I guess there are always two sides to the coin...right? On one side, Satan was using that against me. To hurt, discourage, and to tempt me to give up. But nothing, nothing, nothing comes to us that is not allowed by our Heavenly Father. As I completely surrendered it to Father God, which took most of the week this week, I could see that the other person has some specific hurts and it oprned my eyes to intercede for them at a much deeper level.
Since the Holy Spirit is in charge of ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING, I knew that somehow God was inviting both the other individual as well as myself, into a place of healing to make us both stronger.
Obviously, I cannot speak for the other individual, but I have received some significant healing this week and it has taught me to use my spiritual weapons and made me stronger to fight future battles.
Father God always, always turns the curse of the enemy, into a blessing for His children if we but place it in His nail-scarred hands and plead the blood over it... and that, my friends is what VICTORY looks like!!
"A handmade mirror is like an accomplice to my thoughts and a spy of those who know me best... it always screams at me, silently saying, you're not good enough, you don't deserve, you don't know, you can't, etc."
Jon, it's an honor to read your message this morning! God has used you to silence that mirror and put a plug in its mouth!
Amen! God still has much to do with me and through me!
Truth. Seen it. Lived it. Here's my spin on it.
From my experience, most leaders become one by choice. We are attracted to the idea, at least initially, so we pursue it. We take on the burdens of responsibility. But in the back of our mind, we also think that there will be a quid-pro-quo (literally "this for that") for our sacrifice. That our desire for leadership will somehow deliver a sense of fulfillment or satisfaction. And sometimes it does, but more often, it does not. And then we start to think and wonder: "I thought this would be more fun." Wrestling with that realization really helps to dig into our underlying motivations. When leadership isn't satisfying/fulfilling, our internal critic tells us: "Of course it's not fun, because you are not worthy."
Imposter Syndrome arises when we misplace our expectations of leadership. If we assume our leadership will serve and fulfill our need for validation, then we've missed the mark. I have to constantly remind myself that God invites me into leadership because he has given me the gifts to do it. But I do it for his glory, not my own. Or as C.J. Johnson recently said, lordship has to come before leadership.
My goodness Art. That's really really good stuff!! Read us all like a book! Thanks for this addition. I hope lots of people see your thoughts and comments! Great stuff! Thank you for adding it.
Yes been there, done that… yet for some reason still visit it occasionally. Especially here lately with a brand new VP that I report to. The imposter in me has resurfaced. It’s a syndrome that when stripped down is still good ole fear. I have increased my reading in God’s Word to overcome the enemy!! I’ve been reading and immersing myself in specific devos ! Faith eats fear for lunch. 🙌🏼
In the Word is a fantastic way to defeat it!
I' ve been there and experienced it.Thank you for addressing it so eloquently.
Amen brother. it comes for us all.
I don't like the term "Imposter Syndrome". I Prefer the phrase "Walk it Out to Draw it Out"
I’m not an actor. But I’ve done some acting.
Before entering into any kind of leadership roles, I was asked by my church to play a role in vacation Bible school drama. The role was of a confident and experienced knight tasked with turning the kings immature sons into royal princes. I was 19. I wasn’t confident or experienced in much of anything. But they needed some one and my availability was more important than my inability.
So I pretended to be what I wasn’t. Or at least what I hadn’t ever been before. I was confident, or at least acted like I was, and let it affect the way I walked and the way I talked. Somewhere along the way, I changed the way I saw my self. Not just when I was acting. But by acting, I developed something that was in me that had not be developed before. I had leadership gifts.
Those who struggle with imposter syndrome may just be in the process of developing gifts that are hidden to everyone. Including themselves. I don’t like the term imposter syndrome for that reason. It puts a bad label on a necessary process.
The process of walking it out to draw it out.
Every Mr. Olympian had his first day at the gym. Every marathon winner had a first mile they ran. Every great leader had a first day of developing what they didn’t know they had inside.
Thanks for sharing Austin. Great thoughts!
Very interesting, insightful, and superbly written article, Pastor, thank you. (You are an exceptional author. I am resonating with a lot ot the things from the new ReLeader book, as well. It is running parallel to some huge things that God is doing in my life in the past 4-6 months!)
I am assuming, as with most things, that just because someone has never heard of this issue of "imposter syndrome" or recognized it within themselves, doesn't mean they don't display the symptoms.
The most precious thing, in my humble opinion, to a true Christ-follower verses other religions, is the PERSONAL-ness of our relationship with Jesus. As long as my personal journey and personal convictions do not violate scripture, my journey may look differently than others... and that's what makes it special to me.
There is a definite difference between simply reading the Bible, and reading God's precious Word accompanied by a true REVELATION, or Rhema from Father God.
Seeing the correlation with this "imposter syndrome" and fear, took my mind back to much of my scripture readings from this week. Exodus 13:17 - Exodus 34.
The really special parts were a special "Rhema" for me, from Father God this week.
Exodus 19:4
Exodus 23:20-23
(Rhema - the Holy Spirit will be my guard, guide, and quiet all my fears!)
Exodus 33:12-14
(Rhema - His Presence WILL be with me!!)
These passages then lead me to ponder upon Joshua, chapter one....
Father God is calming my fears, for it "is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit...."
I am trusting that the Spirit of Truth, is capable of overcoming all these fears, as my relationship with the Trinity deepens.
Thank you again. It was new information and very pertinent to where I am in my journey in life.
Very practical!
Blessings,
You are correct. Just because you've never heard of it, doesn't mean it might not be present. It comes for us all in some ways, at certain times. But we can "Notice" it and defeat it!
Human nature leaves everybody, at some point, in a situation that they don’t know, or trust that they can navigate it, due to self perceived ineptness. We are creatures of habit. We often don’t, or even won’t, volunteer for things that we fear might cause a ripple in our pond, for fear of failure. Humility helps. But there is a fine line. We don’t want to be arrogant, however, we must trust in our faith. We are there, in that moment, for purpose. Rather it’s to help others grow, a company grow, or god wanting us to grow. Windy days grow a flowers stalk into a strong foundation. Embrace that wind, and grow stronger
Great input Christian. thanks for sharing with the group!
Reflecting on my spiritual journey, this “syndrome” in the kingdom of God is exacerbated by spiritual warfare. I’ve observed that most, if not all, Christian leaders are intensely targeted by Satan in this area. If Satan can inflame and create greater insecurities in them he’s created a deceptive stronghold in their soul. I would say most in Christian leadership are virtually oblivious to this facet of spiritual warfare. My complements in shining a light on a bright light on this spiritual this issue.
Thanks David. You're so right. The fact that all leaders deal with this imposter syndrome reveals the enemies strategies to attack us all.
Sometimes, we forget who and whose we are, we forget our true identity in Christ and we fall back ibto who we have, at some point, believed all the negative things that Satan has convinced us we are. We can unconsciously begin to agree that we are a disappointment to ourselves and others, we've let everyone down, including ourselves, then that leads to acting like the accusations that Satan is throwing at us.
That's when we desperately need our fellow man to come along side and gently remind us who we truly are, who Father God says we are, someone who can extend grace, to us and pray for us.... we need each other.
We need to be brought back into truth. Who Father God says we are, is truth. We need, in that moment, to rum back to the Father and, like the prodigal son, experience His open arms.
It reminds me of that "Who am I" season we did in Auguat, 2021.... Satan can, through all kinds of methods, convince us we still live in the pigpen, not in our Father's home.
(SIGH!)
We can try, with all of our might, to reason and logic (left brain,... IQ) that we are children of the King, but I think many, many times, we need to spend time in relationship (right brain, EQ) communion with Jesus and allow Him, through our relationship with Him to do His miraculous healing in us to realign our identity, our intimacy to become a true reality in walking it out.
Just my 2 cents worth....
Sometimes, I really don't think I need Satan's help in accusing and condemning me, it seems, I can do a fine job on my own!
I think the hardest person to forgive is ourselves when we've made all the social blunders, mistakes, missed opportunities, and boatloads of regret....
I seen a vision recently, actually it was of a couple whom I know who are pastors (I graduated HS from a Christian school, 3 of the 5 guys in my class became pastors, through that I have come to realize how pastors endure a whole different level of spiritual warfare, only one of those 3 are still in ministry😪).
This vision was of Niagra Falls. This couple was standing directly under the falls. Father God was giving me insight into how to pray for them. He was telling me that, particularly the man, was feeling like he had made some mistakes in his pastoral position and he just couldn't seem to fully receive the forgiveness of the Father. As I was watching the Niagra Falls water flow over this couple, Father God was saying, "pray that they could fully recognize and experience that water pouring over them as a symbol of my love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, patience, etc. for them."
I only later realize, that vision is applicable for each one of us,.... including myself... what a surprise!
God bless
WOW!!
I do want to say, Pastor, thank you from the very bottom of my heart, that you answered the call into ministry!! And you continue to preach hard things that we need to hear that we don't necessarily want to hear. God is using you in a powerful way, through the Holy Spirit, to do a deep work in me. Thank you!
Just this morning, a sermon you preached, IDK, maybe 8-10 months ago popped into my head. It was about the different ways Father God carries us through different seasons of our lives.
Since this imposter syndrome article was written (which, for me, personally, was just a seed you were planting, then God has been arranging circumstances in my life to grow that,.... ) then the sermon/response ltime/prayer, this past Sunday, God and I have been traveling from San Diego, CA to NY, NY in a little klunker car at 30 mph, and Father God has suddenly decided that we need to forget enjoying the scenery. He has picked me up and said, "let's get a move on, let's go by airliner!!!!"
Every single day this week is bringing me into a deep IDENTITY CRISIS!!
😅🤣😂
The person I thought I was most of my life, all this time has been, actually, operating from an imposter syndrome!! WHO KNEW????!!!!!
I have no idea who this person is going to be by the time I arrive in NY!
Please pray for me!!
Good golly, journeying with God is a REAL TRIP!!!!
😊
Blessings,
Such truth in all of this. I’m now starting a new season of pastoring in a new church. My first experience was wrought with the impostor syndrome.
I served in a Pentecostal church where some imbalanced pressure was applied by people who felt every word I spoke must only be an original fresh revelation from God. Otherwise, I wasn’t truly “being Spiritual led”. The head games were intense.
Then the accompanying fact that most everything I knew and understood, I learned from or through others just added more frustration.
My help came once I realized everything originated from The Father! And the grace I’ve received from or through others, didn’t originate from them either. He is the source and He chose how I receive it. My only part is to listen, believe and obey.
I am learning that there are times that our fears/doubts stem from unresolved past trauma.
A good example of this in my personal life, just happened in the past several weeks.
I had truly felt that I had conquered a major fear several weeks ago.
Then I had someone say some things that sent me sideways because it reopened a major childhood trauma wound for me.
I guess there are always two sides to the coin...right? On one side, Satan was using that against me. To hurt, discourage, and to tempt me to give up. But nothing, nothing, nothing comes to us that is not allowed by our Heavenly Father. As I completely surrendered it to Father God, which took most of the week this week, I could see that the other person has some specific hurts and it oprned my eyes to intercede for them at a much deeper level.
Since the Holy Spirit is in charge of ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING, I knew that somehow God was inviting both the other individual as well as myself, into a place of healing to make us both stronger.
Obviously, I cannot speak for the other individual, but I have received some significant healing this week and it has taught me to use my spiritual weapons and made me stronger to fight future battles.
Father God always, always turns the curse of the enemy, into a blessing for His children if we but place it in His nail-scarred hands and plead the blood over it... and that, my friends is what VICTORY looks like!!
Blessings,