Discover how to navigate ministry hardships with grace, resilience, and faith, overcoming the toughest challenges in leadership.
1 Video Lesson
Watch, listen, and learn as Diego Mesa shows you how to navigate ministry hardships and the toughest challenges in ministry with wisdom, resilience, and faith.
Course Guide
A FREE workbook that guides you through the course.
Stream Anywhere
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Overview
Ministry Hardships, led by Diego Mesa, offers a deep dive into the unique challenges that pastors and ministry leaders face daily. This course tackles a wide range of ministry hardships, from balancing personal authenticity with the demands of professionalism to managing conflict, criticism, and church leadership struggles. Participants will learn how to navigate the emotional weight of congregants’ personal issues, maintain resilience in the face of setbacks, and prevent burnout in their spiritual and professional lives. Drawing from years of experience, Diego Mesa shares practical wisdom and strategies to help ministry leaders overcome their toughest challenges while maintaining their faith, well-being, and dedication to their calling.
What You’ll Learn
In the Ministry Hardships course, students will:
- Develop strategies to manage the emotional and spiritual toll of ministry hardships.
- Learn how to balance personal authenticity with the professional expectations of leadership.
- Understand effective methods for handling criticism and conflict that often arise during ministry hardships.
- Discover ways to prevent burnout and prioritize self-care amid ministry hardships.
- Gain insights on how to support congregants through their own personal struggles and losses.
- Build resilience and adaptability when dealing with the most challenging ministry hardships.
Sessions
1. The Hardest Thing About Pastoring
In Session 1 of Ministry Hardships, Diego Mesa explores the toughest challenges pastors face in their ministry work, ranging from managing church finances and responding to conflict, to handling congregants’ personal hardships. Mesa provides valuable guidance on how to balance leadership roles while safeguarding personal well-being. This session also discusses how to maintain resilience, particularly when watching valued members leave the church. Mesa’s insights help leaders manage these ministry hardships while staying grounded in their faith and mission.
Quick Facts
Langauges
English
Level
Intermediate
Credits
0.375 credit units
No. of Sessions
1 Session
Running Time
38 minutes
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About the Instructor
Diego Mesa
Diego Mesa is a distinguished pastor, author, and humanitarian known for his profound impact on ministry and community development. As the founding pastor of Patria Church (formerly Abundant Living Family Church) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Mesa has played a pivotal role in transforming a small congregation of about 12 people in 1994 into a thriving community with a weekly attendance of over 6,000.
Mesa’s journey into ministry began with his education at Rhema Bible College, where he laid the foundation for his theological and pastoral career. His deep commitment to his faith and his community has been the driving force behind his extensive pastoral work. Under his leadership, Patria Church has become a beacon of hope and support, offering various programs and services that address social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and educational disparities.
In 2008, Mesa faced a significant personal challenge when he was diagnosed with Stage IV (4) kidney cancer. Despite the daunting prognosis, he embarked on a three-and-a-half-year journey of faith, resilience, and medical treatment, ultimately defeating the cancer. His victory over this life-threatening illness has been a testament to his unwavering faith and determination, inspiring many within and beyond his congregation.
Diego Mesa’s influence extends beyond his pastoral duties. He is a prolific author, having written several books that offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice for navigating life’s challenges. His notable works include How to Dream When You’re Told You’re Going to Die, which chronicles his battle with cancer and provides insights into maintaining hope and vision during difficult times. Other titles such as Merciful, How To Be Your Best When Feeling Your Worst, and 44 Habits to Hack Life reflect his dedication to helping others achieve personal and spiritual growth.
Mesa’s legacy is further cemented by his role as a mentor and leader. His son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Ashlee Mesa, have taken on the role of lead pastors at Patria Church, while Diego and his wife, Cindy, continue to serve as founding pastors. This transition ensures that the church’s mission and values continue to thrive under the next generation of leadership.
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What’s Included
Unlimited access to all ISOM Core Curriculum and elective module video courses, including Ministry Hardships.
Online study guides for all ISOM Core Curriculum and elective module courses are included for every session
After each course, there are Self-Study questions for you to reflect deeply and explore new ways to apply your own insights for personal growth and development
ISOM Online provides the flexibility necessary to study at your own pace. Watch the videos at any time, on unlimited devices. No limit on repeat viewings.
Earn credit toward a master’s degree in Christian Ministry with our online program that has been modeled after our traditional degree plan.
Complete or build on your bachelor’s degree by receiving credit toward a Master’s degree from Christian Leadership University or Vision International College and Seminary.
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Credit Request
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