Dear Pastor,

The morning of May 21, 2021 is seared into my memory. I opened my laptop to find two emails with ‘Resignation’ as the subject line. Both of my key staff leaders were quitting — together.

I don’t remember the last time I was punched, but reading those emails? I may as well have taken a fist to my gut. 

The three of us had built this ministry together for years. We’d led through storms, celebrated wins, walked with people through heartbreak and victory.

I was wrecked. For days, I moved through a fog, disoriented by confusion, shame, anger, and deep hurt.

That’s not the kind of thing you should walk through by yourself.

Throughout Scripture, God makes it clear. Leaders aren’t meant to lead alone. Timothy and Titus both had Paul for support. Moses had Joshua. Apollos needed Aquila and Priscilla to teach him.

Who do you go to when leadership gets messy or painful? Hit ‘reply’ and tell me. I’d love to hear about them.

And if you don’t have anyone… I’m happy to be a listening ear. I answer every email I get.

We need mentors to help us see straight when the fog crowds in.

So I called my dad, Jim Gordon. He’s pastored for over 25 years and led his church through crisis after crisis — COVID, lawsuits, betrayals, financial challenges, you name it.

Dad didn’t waste time. He jumped in with wisdom and experience and helped me steady the ship. We worked through operational questions, legal risks, structural and communication management — everything I didn’t have the headspace to do alone.

I also called Ed Underwood. Ed’s pastored for 40+ years and now leads Recentered Group, a ministry that provides mentorship to pastors in crisis. He’s seen it all. Nothing fazes him. 

I told him the whole story and shared my shock, sadness, and anger. He didn’t defend me. He didn’t rush to fix it. He listened, asked questions, and helped me see the things I couldn’t see on my own.

A good mentor doesn’t just offer advice or wisdom. They help you see clearly — yourself, the world, your struggles — when everything feels upside down.

Dad and Ed brought wisdom, perspective, and structure I couldn’t find on my own. They gave me one of the most practical gifts anyone could have given me. They were the difference between floundering and finding the next step forward.

Mentors empower us to actually do the things we are capable of achieving.

My question for you: Do you have someone like that in your corner?

If someone comes to mind, tell me about them! If you don’t have a mentor, and are looking for one, let me know too.

Just hit reply. Doesn’t have to be long. I’ll read it. I’ll write back.

In Christ, Who is our life,

Joshua Gordon
— Senior Editor | The Lead Pastor

— Pastor | New Life Fellowship