If you’re a pastor and you feel lonely, you’re not the only one. Loneliness can plague even the most productive pastor, especially after he got close to and got burned by the wrong confidant. When that happens, he may feel that alone is the only safe place to be.

I understand. In fact, I warned about that in last week’s post. But this week I want to share the other side. It is worth the risk of being hurt for the hope of being helped. Every pastor needs a friend who fits the following four descriptions.

If Satan can’t get you one way, he’ll try another. If lust, greed, or pride don’t cause you to fail, something we don’t talk about as much may become your undoing. Disappointment can sap your energy, cloud your vision, or even turn you away from your mission.

And if we’re honest, we’ll admit every leader deals with disappointment. I’ve grouped mine under three headings.

I don’t remember the name of the camp, but I’ll never forget the night we spent there—both for the misery we shared as well as the lesson about preaching I learned.

First, the misery. Think about a drafty camp dorm with creaky wooden bunks, well-worn mattresses, and no sheets. No blankets, either. Or pillows. But there were curtains hanging at the windows, which we used to dry off after we showered, because there were no towels.

The camp manager had somehow forgotten to tell Mike Baker to bring those necessities with us. So we went to bed wrapped in skimpy curtains in a vain attempt to stay warm overnight.

A friend asked me to speak to his middle school class about leadership and character. And I realized how I wish I’d learned these lessons when I was their age.

Maybe you’ll agree that we’re never too smart or experienced to consider what I told those eighth-graders that day.

 “Leadership and character can be boiled down to two words,” I began. “Be you. (If you want to text this, go with B U!)” Here’s what I mean:

Here’s a fact every leader must face: leadership is a fight. Yes, the leader will enjoy positive experiences and wonderful people, but meanwhile he will be forced to tackle one battle after another. Here are six fights you must face when you step into the ring of leadership.