This is the age of innovative ministry techniques and methodologies. We're mad with creativity, which I love by the way, but at times we can be right in the midst of innovation and be missing out on developing something so much more vital—our souls.

I went through a period quite a few years ago in which all I was reading were books on growth, health, techniques, trends and so on. What I wasn't doing, and need to be doing, was soaking in some classics, some devotional reading and deepening my theology.

So pastor, here are three things we need to remember in the midst of our rapid ministerial pace.

Our Theology Can Always Use Deepening

Most systematic theologies will organize biblical doctrine around anywhere from 10 to 20 major topics. There are four specific areas of theology that stand out in my mind as being vital to a pastor's soul-health:

• The theology of our pastoral calling. Who is it exactly that God is calling me to be? is really more important than what are the tasks God has called me to do?
• The theology of our message. It's vital that our respect for the Word of God continues to be elevated. It's the source of our confidence on stage and in life.
• Our theology of heaven and hell. Eternity hangs in the balance, and the degree to which we are not only believing biblical truths about eternity, but the degree to which we focus our thoughts on them directly relates to our approach to the Great Commission itself.
• Our theology of Jesus. Ministry really ought to be about chasing the person of Christ, not chasing a passion for organizational growth or ministerial success.

Our Relationships Can Always Use Attention

We often work so hard at establishing and growing relationships with our church family and our community that we forget about growing our relationship with our spouse and kids, our colleagues and co-laborers in ministry, and with friends whose connection with us is independent of our being their shepherd.

We Can Always Use Greater Personal Growth

I mean that statement spiritually, in the sense that if our quiet time and connection with Jesus flame out, we're toast professionally anyway. But I also mean that professionally.

Sometimes I fall into the habit of trying to be a content producer and an influencer to the neglect of allowing myself to be shaped and influenced by other leaders, by books and all the great content there is to consume.

In the midst of reaching people, doing ministry, preparing sermons and growing a church, don't forget the soul stuff.

Brandon Cox has been a pastor since he was 19 and has served churches large and small, including serving as a pastor at Saddleback Church. Currently, he is planting a purpose-driven church in northwest Arkansas. He also serves as editor of pastors.com and Rick Warren's Pastors' Toolbox and authors a top 100 blog for church leaders, as well as a blog about men's issues, a blog about blogging and a blog about social media.

This article originally appeared at brandonacox.com.

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