Everyone that has served in ministry is well acquainted with the many struggles and frustrations one will face. There are many trials awaiting those that seek to answer the high calling of the Lord. Often difficulties arise in finances, time management, power struggles, and the allocation of responsibilities, to name a few. However, it has been my experience that many pastors and other ministry leaders seem to face one common frustration, “ministry growth.”
In my discussions with and counseling of ministry leaders I have found that the frustration of stagnation and the lack of growth weigh heavily upon those heading the outreach effort. Despite the greatest of our prayers, efforts, and plans, growth can be allusive. Many buy books and attend seminars trying to find the secret to multiplying the flock. We will hold special programs and create incentives for those serving in our ministry to produce new converts or members. Some may advertise, change the order of service, or their style of preaching. Yet, see no increase. In such situations frustration continues to mount.
Most of the time the intensions of the ministry are of a pure heart. Being that most of us are born and raised as American citizens we can not help but be acculturated by our nation. America is proud of its innovative spirit, work ethic, and “can do” attitude. We are a nation of opportunity. A wonderful place for the cultivation of the entreupernorial spirit. These are not negative attributes in and of themselves. In fact, many of these attributes work well with those in places of leadership. Yet, they are not always effective in the Kingdom of God. The quality of a ministries marketing, packaging, and services are not clear indicators of growth. Results are unpredictable in matters of the Spirit.
This is a hard pill to swallow. Many view ministry success in terms of numbers. Often, pastors will ask each other, “How many did you have on Sunday?” and “What was the offering?” Such questions can be devastating to the servant that is not seeing the results he’d hoped for. Weariness can set in as leaders push harder for results. Soon, a minister may be questioning his calling and whether he has made the right decision.
So, what is a person to do that finds themselves in such circumstances. Well, first let me confess that I do not have a magical answer to the frustrations of ministry. However, I believe the Lord has revealed a very clear picture of what our focus ought to be in the ministry. Let us review a discussion that has taken place between Christ and the Pharisees:
Matthew 22:34-40
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
The two greatest commandments are found in this passage from Matthew. Christ states that these two commandments sum all the Law and the Prophets. Such statements are not just good for life, but for ministry also. The clear commands to love God, neighbor, and self are boldly stated. This should be our approach to ministry. Following these commands should be the goal to which we aspire.
First, we must Love our God. Such a command is the basis of our faith. We should seek to love God through our worship, through obedience to His word, and constant pursuit of His presence. God should be first and foremost in all that we do. This should not be a said statement of faith, but rather a reality of heartfelt love and desire for our redeemer. Remember, God is looking for true worshipers.
Second, we should seek to reach out to our neighbors with the love and compassion of Christ which he has extended toward us. Such love can be expressed through evangelism, discipleship, and service. I believe sharing the gospel is the most compassionate thing a person can do for his neighbor. Nothing else can heal and transform like the power of Christ. Discipleship seems like a lost art these days. Once a person is converted nurturing is needed so they grow strong in the faith. Service can be practiced at any time on our neighbor’s behalf. Do good when and wherever good can be done.
Third and finally, love yourself. This is an area of high neglect in Christian ministry. Christ says love your neighbor as yourself. In order for you to extend love, you must have love to give. This can be accomplished through spiritual formation (the practice of the disciplines), self care (rest, relaxation, retreat), and community (healthy and safe relationships). Loving ones self can prove an effective tool against burnout and temptation.
I believe this is the Lord’s prescription for those that are frustrated in the ministry. Keep ministry simple. All these can be practiced daily whether your numbers are large or small. You may see growth as a result of such practices. However if you don’t, you can rest assured that you have pleased the Lord by following “The greatest Commandments.”
In my discussions with and counseling of ministry leaders I have found that the frustration of stagnation and the lack of growth weigh heavily upon those heading the outreach effort. Despite the greatest of our prayers, efforts, and plans, growth can be allusive. Many buy books and attend seminars trying to find the secret to multiplying the flock. We will hold special programs and create incentives for those serving in our ministry to produce new converts or members. Some may advertise, change the order of service, or their style of preaching. Yet, see no increase. In such situations frustration continues to mount.
Most of the time the intensions of the ministry are of a pure heart. Being that most of us are born and raised as American citizens we can not help but be acculturated by our nation. America is proud of its innovative spirit, work ethic, and “can do” attitude. We are a nation of opportunity. A wonderful place for the cultivation of the entreupernorial spirit. These are not negative attributes in and of themselves. In fact, many of these attributes work well with those in places of leadership. Yet, they are not always effective in the Kingdom of God. The quality of a ministries marketing, packaging, and services are not clear indicators of growth. Results are unpredictable in matters of the Spirit.
This is a hard pill to swallow. Many view ministry success in terms of numbers. Often, pastors will ask each other, “How many did you have on Sunday?” and “What was the offering?” Such questions can be devastating to the servant that is not seeing the results he’d hoped for. Weariness can set in as leaders push harder for results. Soon, a minister may be questioning his calling and whether he has made the right decision.
So, what is a person to do that finds themselves in such circumstances. Well, first let me confess that I do not have a magical answer to the frustrations of ministry. However, I believe the Lord has revealed a very clear picture of what our focus ought to be in the ministry. Let us review a discussion that has taken place between Christ and the Pharisees:
Matthew 22:34-40
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
The two greatest commandments are found in this passage from Matthew. Christ states that these two commandments sum all the Law and the Prophets. Such statements are not just good for life, but for ministry also. The clear commands to love God, neighbor, and self are boldly stated. This should be our approach to ministry. Following these commands should be the goal to which we aspire.
First, we must Love our God. Such a command is the basis of our faith. We should seek to love God through our worship, through obedience to His word, and constant pursuit of His presence. God should be first and foremost in all that we do. This should not be a said statement of faith, but rather a reality of heartfelt love and desire for our redeemer. Remember, God is looking for true worshipers.
Second, we should seek to reach out to our neighbors with the love and compassion of Christ which he has extended toward us. Such love can be expressed through evangelism, discipleship, and service. I believe sharing the gospel is the most compassionate thing a person can do for his neighbor. Nothing else can heal and transform like the power of Christ. Discipleship seems like a lost art these days. Once a person is converted nurturing is needed so they grow strong in the faith. Service can be practiced at any time on our neighbor’s behalf. Do good when and wherever good can be done.
Third and finally, love yourself. This is an area of high neglect in Christian ministry. Christ says love your neighbor as yourself. In order for you to extend love, you must have love to give. This can be accomplished through spiritual formation (the practice of the disciplines), self care (rest, relaxation, retreat), and community (healthy and safe relationships). Loving ones self can prove an effective tool against burnout and temptation.
I believe this is the Lord’s prescription for those that are frustrated in the ministry. Keep ministry simple. All these can be practiced daily whether your numbers are large or small. You may see growth as a result of such practices. However if you don’t, you can rest assured that you have pleased the Lord by following “The greatest Commandments.”
Posts
2 comments:
Hi James,
Looks great! I've added it to my blogroll. If you'd like any help in how to let others know about and promote the new blog beyond your friends, let me know. I've learned a few things over the past few years.
Scott
Well said! - Robyn
Post a Comment