Why your personal quiet times can help your church:
Petr Cincala, who is a researcher with the Natural Church Development people, wrote in a recent issue of their on-line magazine (I believe it is called the 'NCDezine') that there is a clear relationship between the pastorπs spiritual health, and the health of his congregation.

Here is what he says:
How does the view of the pastor as a spiritual example relate to the overall health of churches?
Question 58 ('Our pastor is a spiritual example to me').
The scores clearly show as with the total data that the spiritual example of a pastor is an integral part of a healthier church. It shows not just with Passionate Spirituality, it shows with all qualities. This has a powerful implication: the health of the church goes along with the health of the pastor and vice versa. It takes a healthy pastor to have a healthy church.
Petr Cincala (PhD) lives in the Czech Republic and works as Research Manager for NCD International

His last line is most telling: 'It takes a healthy pastor to have a healthy church.'
A couple of observations: First, he did not say that a healthy pastor guarantees a healthy church.   Sometimes the organizational and environmental issues within a church are so toxic that even a healthy pastor cannot address them. But what Cincala is saying is that if you are going to have any hopes of a healthy church, you are going to need to have a spiritually healthy pastor.

Second, a healthy pastor is only one small part of an overall healthy church, but it is, perhaps, the first step. Proverbs says, 'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life' (Proverbs 4:23 NIV).  Your own relationship with Jesus Christ is critical to the health and well-being of the church.  So do not skimp on your personal quiet times or prayer with the Lord.  And do not feel like you must only accomplish this at home before coming to the office.  Your primary job is to lead the congregation spiritually, and if that means closing the door, and refusing all calls and visitors for certain hours during every day, then do it.  There is the story, I guess true, about Billy Graham turning down a phone call from President Eisenhower because Billy was in prayer.  That is the sort of focus you need for a healthy pastor and church.

Third, note the nature of the question upon which this conclusion is based, 'My pastor is a spiritual example to me.'   What comes to mind when I read that statement is Luke 11:1, One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.'
It was Jesus' example which inspired His disciples to improve their prayer life.

Also, consider another key verse with a reference of 11:1: 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, 'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.'   Interesting that two verses (Luke 11:1 and 1 Corinthians 11:1), each with an 11:1 remind us that the first (#1) and most important thing one (#1) must do is to follow He who is first (#1) Christ.

Never underestimate the power of your life model to influence and affect those in your congregation.  We as pastors may have access to a lot of examples and stories of people who lived powerful lives for Jesus.  Some members of your congregation might have only your example to follow.

How is your spiritual life?
How is your church?
The two questions are related.

Action plan: Download the worksheet from the Coaching page called, 'Seven LifeGoals'.  One of the seven lifegoals for lifechange is your spiritual goal.  What do you want to achieve with your personal spiritual life?  What specific action steps would you like to take to strengthen your relationship with Christ?  This will not only fill your life with joy, but it will model a powerful life for your church to emulate.