Building Lives of Resilience

"The younger generations are soft." "They lack resilience." "They need to toughen up."

Have you ever thought or said something like that? It's okay — this is a safe space for honesty.

Last month (April 2025), our network of young pastors and ministry leaders gathered in Edmonton and Calgary for conversations on Resilience in Ministry. Through roundtable discussions and panellist insights, we explored the building blocks of strong resilience — the kind that sustains decades of faithful and fruitful ministry.

We defined resilience as the ability to bounce back from a challenge, trial, or obstacle.

Our panellists included:

• Andrew Hansen & Dr. Cath Thorlakson (Edmonton)

• Joyce Rees, Paul Fraser, Jeremy Feser (Calgary)

• Corey & Chanda Randell (both locations)

New friendships were made, old ones deepened, coffee and snacks were consumed, and most importantly, a deepened understanding of resilience was cultivated.

Here are seven key insights that surfaced (of the many I could share):

1. Resilience is formed through challenge.

Grit grows by persevering through hardship. The Apostle Paul wrote:

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame..." (Romans 5:3–5, NIV)

2. Our culture often avoids pain.

We live in an age that places an inordinate value on comfort. This tendency steers us away from building grit, tenacity, and resilience.

3. Choose to do hard things.

Angela Duckworth, in her research on grit, shows that resilience is developed intentionally. It's not automatic. Challenge yourself. Regularly.

4. Hold on to Jesus in adversity.

Our panellists shared stories of adversity that could have led them to abandon their faith. Instead, they have held onto Jesus through the storms and stand firm in His faithfulness.

5. Set life-giving rhythms.

Resilience isn't just about enduring; it's about living wisely. That means working hard and resting well. Know your vulnerabilities and plan your rhythms accordingly.

6. Build spiritual muscle before the crisis hits.

It might sound cliché, but spiritual disciplines - especially regular time in Scripture and prayer - are still the best training ground for resilience. Start preparing now, long before the fight intensifies.

7. When criticism comes.

• Find your security in your identity in Christ.

• Be curious: Is there any truth in the critique?

• Honour others, even when they don't seem to deserve it.

• Forgive — freely and fully.

• Let God sort the rest out.

Joyce Rees concluded our time in Calgary with this encouragement:

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

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While some might argue that younger generations lack toughness, I see something different.

They are emotionally intelligent.

They are curious and hungry to learn.

They are collaborative, leaning on mentors, friends, and peers.

Join me.

Let's link arms with the younger generation and help build lives of deep, enduring resilience — for the sake of the Gospel and the generations to come.

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