The Drip That Started It All

I never thought I’d learn a lesson about Christian leadership from my laundry room ceiling—but here we are.

It started with a wet spot. Right above the dryer, the ceiling had a noticeable dampness that hadn’t been there the day before. At first, I thought it might be a small leak or just excess moisture from a humid day. But after a closer look (and some soggy drywall), I knew something wasn’t right.

We’d had our dryer vent professionally cleaned less than a year earlier. That’s why I was surprised when the technician returned and found not just a clog—but a serious one. It wasn’t down low where most lint builds up. No, this clog was tucked high up, deep in the attic, lodged in the very top section of the vent pipe. The regular cleaning tools couldn’t reach it. He had to dismantle the entire pipe from above to access the problem. It wasn’t a quick fix.

What’s Hidden Still Hurts

And that’s when it hit me: this is exactly how barriers to leadership work.

As pastors, associate pastors, or even rising voices in millennial leadership, we often focus on surface maintenance. We attend leadership trainings, listen to podcasts, hold team meetings—all good things. But the deeper clogs? The ones hiding in the “attic” of our soul—those can’t be reached with routine tools.

Pride masked as confidence. Bitterness disguised as busyness. Ministry driven more by performance than calling. These aren’t the issues people see. They’re high up, well-hidden, and only noticeable once something starts leaking—like burnout, fractured relationships, or a disconnection from God’s voice.

If the Top Is Clogged, Nothing Flows

One of the key leadership principles I’ve learned is this: if the top is clogged, nothing flows.

No matter how talented or passionate we are, if we haven’t cleared space for God to move freely through us, our ministry will eventually back up. The work might still get done, but it’ll feel harder. Less effective. Spiritually heavy.

That day, the technician didn’t just fix the clog. He restructured the pipe layout to make it more accessible in the future. It took more time and effort, but it made the system healthier.

Let God Into the Attic

In leadership, sometimes the Spirit has to do the same: dismantle and rebuild. That might mean confronting painful patterns, inviting in real accountability, or even stepping back for a season to rest and reflect. It’s not weakness. It’s wisdom.

Whether you’re leading a congregation or stepping into your first leadership role in the church, remember: not every problem is visible, and not every fix is easy. But if we’re willing to let God into the hidden places, He doesn’t just restore us—He reroutes us for greater freedom and effectiveness.

A Simple Weekly Rhythm to Stay Spiritually Clear

If this story hit a little close to home, you’re not alone. Ministry gets messy. Life gets loud. And sometimes, what we need most is just a moment to pause and ask the right questions.

That’s why I created The Leader’s Self-Check—a simple, powerful tool with 7 weekly questions to help you stay grounded in Christ while leading others.

No fluff. No overwhelm. Just a focused rhythm to help you clear out spiritual clutter before it turns into burnout.

👉 Download your free copy here and start leading from a place of clarity, not exhaustion.