Ministry doesn’t begin on the stage or in the pulpit, it begins in the secret place.
As a husband, father, pastor, and leader, I’ve come to realize that my true strength doesn’t come from strategic planning or natural talent. It comes from a quiet, daily rhythm of prayer and Scripture. These sacred routines may seem small, but over time, they become the bedrock of everything I do.
Sacred but Simple
I’m not perfect. No one is. But I’ve learned that consistency beats perfection when it comes to spiritual discipline. Every morning, I try to begin my day at the feet of Jesus—sometimes with words, sometimes with silence, always with intention.
It might look like:
- Whispering a prayer before sunrise
- Opening the Word while sipping coffee
- Journaling a reflection from the Psalms
- Ending the day with a simple “Thank You, Lord”
These aren’t grand acts, they’re quiet choices. But they reorient my heart, realign my priorities, and remind me that I am not in control, God is.
Leadership Starts in the Quiet
We often associate leadership with public visibility. But the most powerful leadership begins in private surrender. Before I preach, before I mentor, before I plan, I pray.
Prayer is where clarity is born. Scripture is where vision is sharpened. Without both, I’m just performing. But with both, I’m grounded in something far greater than myself.
A Daily Surrender
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight. It isn’t produced by platforms or positions. It’s cultivated through daily surrender, the kind that says, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”
So if you’re feeling spiritually dry, overwhelmed, or distracted, I encourage you: don’t chase the stage. Chase the Savior. Find your strength not in what you do for God, but in who you are becoming with Him.
One small prayer. One open Bible. One surrendered heart. Every day.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16
Let’s Stay Grounded Together
What spiritual habits are anchoring you right now? I’d love to hear how you’re building your own life around prayer and Scripture.
Feel free to [contact me here] or connect on [social media links].
Herman Baxter
Minister | Ret. USAF Major | Dean of Students, DTS