090: When You Start to Drift: Returning to the Fire of Mission

Have you ever felt your ministry energy start to fade a few months into the season? That sense of slowing down, coasting, or even drifting can happen to the best of us — but it doesn’t have to keep you stuck.

In this episode, Eric shares some thought around why drift happens — the human, spiritual, and cultural forces that quietly pull us off course — and how we can return to the fire of mission.

Show Notes / Key Points:

1. Naming the Drift

Feeling flat or coasting in ministry is normal. Drift happens when we stop intentionally moving toward mission.

Key insight: to drift, we simply need to do… nothing.

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14 NRSV

1. Why Drift Happens

Human side: fatigue, busyness, and familiarity. Rest and relational honesty help restore energy. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Spiritual side: losing connection to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Abiding in Him is the source of fruitfulness. (John 15:4-5, Romans 8:26)

Cultural side: pressure for constant growth and visible success. Trust God’s rhythms of pruning and seasons. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

1. Returning to the Fire of Mission

Return to relationship: spend time with Jesus, remember your identity as a beloved child of God. (1 John 4:19, Ephesians 2:10)

Reconnect with the Holy Spirit: pray for guidance, boldness, and renewed vision. (Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:16)

Remember your why and who: focus on the people God has placed in your life and ministry. (Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 3:15)

Reflect on your witness: love is the first way people encounter the Gospel.

Re-engage in community: ministry flourishes in shared life, prayer, and encouragement. (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

1. Closing Encouragement

The Spirit who called you is still with you. You can fan the flame of your God-given gift for mission. (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

Proclaim Team Resources:

In-person trainings, workshops, and leadership summits to help leaders refocus on mission.

Examples: Accompaniment Masterclass, Rescue Project support, Alpha parish sessions.

Proclaim is a movement of the Archdiocese of Vancouver inspiring disciples to proclaim Jesus in their homes and communities. The Proclaim podcast is a space where you listen to inspiring disciples talk all things around sharing Jesus with others, and learn how to step into your own missionary identity. To learn more about Proclaim, you can visit weareproclaim.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @weareproclaim