Nathan LaGrange, Director of Oasis Rest International, on the Impact of Investing in Spiritual Leaders (Ep. 151)

Nathan LaGrange, Executive Director of Oasis Rest International, knows firsthand the vital importance of rest for pastors and ministry leaders. After many years in full-time ministry, a season of intense busyness began to take its toll. Nathan came to a sobering realization: before he could effectively care for others, he needed to care for himself and his family.  

God then led Nathan through a series of transitions—from fast-paced ministry to the slower, more intentional shepherding of a congregation. Along the way, Nathan discovered the transformative power of doing life with God, not just for Him.  

Out of that journey came a passion: to create a space where pastors and leaders could themselves be pastored, nurtured, and restored. Following a sabbatical year, Nathan connected with Oasis Rest International, a nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, restorative environments for pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders in need of renewal.  

With over 25 years of experience in both pastoral ministry and business leadership, Nathan brings a deep understanding of the unique pressures leaders face—and the critical importance of sustainable rhythms in a life of service. His work sits at the intersection of soul care and generosity, and his commitment to investing in leaders’ longevity offers a unique and refreshing perspective on how to partner well with those in ministry.  

Major Topics Include:

• Building daily margins to spend time with God
• Letting Jesus teach the practice of rest
• Creating daily and weekly finish lines for healthy rhythms
• Learning the difference between working for God and working with God
• Asking: How much of yourself is enough to give in ministry?
• Embracing the concept of slowing down to move faster
• Exploring how rest and generosity intersect in relationships
• Finding practical ways to care for your spiritual leaders
• Combining “space” and “face” to minister refreshment
• Sharing stories of transformation through rest

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

• “If you’re not loving yourself or taking care of yourself and your immediate family, then how can you minister in any context?”
• “Leaders are really good at giving, but they don’t know how to receive.”
• “The presence of Jesus in that sacred space accompanied with a sacred face invited a holy moment that’s transformational.”
• “Once you’ve had the opportunity to be in a space, to unpack with a face, it’s like all these new Kingdom dreams start to come alive.”
• “There was a rhythm to Jesus that was so grace-filled and generous because he would often withdraw to lonely places.”
• “When I build time with God into my life, when I’ve rested in my own soul, suddenly I can engage with my family in a much more generous way.”
• “Working for God and working with God are totally different things.”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

• Oasis Rest International
• The Overload Syndrome by Dr. Richard A. Swenson
• Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson (see our past interview here)
• The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
• The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

1 Peter 3:19-20 | God’s Patience  

in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.  

Isaiah 55:1 | An Invitation to Refreshing  

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  

Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) | Unforced Rhythms of Grace  

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  

Hebrews 13:17 | Care for Your Leaders  

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

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