Category Archives: Ministry Troubles

Ministry troubles can come from a number of sources but when we put the focus on God’s character and ways, we find perspective, peace, and encouragement.

Ministry Isn’t Always Fair!

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We know life isn’t always fair, but ministry???? Shouldn’t we be able to expect ministry to be fair? Shouldn’t Christians be different than the world?

Reality Check about Fairness in Ministry

If we go into ministry expecting everything to be perfect, we’ll be in for some major disappointments. There will undoubtedly be times when …

we do most of the work and others are recognized more than us.

we get accused of something we never said or did.

we come up with the idea and someone else gets credit for it.

we are allocated less money in the budget to our area than a less established program.

etc., etc.

We must go into ministry knowing that we are serving alongside of fellow human beings who, like us, aren’t perfect. But, we must also know that we serve a God who is always just.

A Just God Even When Ministry Isn’t Fair

We serve a just God who sees all and knows all and always does what is right.

A Just God Though Ministry Isn't Always Fair
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (Deut. 32:4)

God may not step into the situation immediately with judgment and correction, but eventually He will right the wrongs. Perhaps we will never see what He does. He may wait until heaven. God is under no obligation to respond to our questions about His ways and timing in exercising His justice. (Take time to read Job 38-42 for God’s response to Job’s “why” questions.) But, we can trust Him to see the big picture and work for our good (Rom. 8:28). He not only has the knowledge and wisdom to know the right timing and way to take care of matters (Isa. 55:9), but He also has the ability to do that which is right and best.

What God Expects of Us in Unfair Situations

Though others may not be fair, God still wants us to do what is right and just. — “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Prov. 21:3) We’re accountable before Him for what we do. And, there will be a day of accounting for those who do us wrong. We don’t have to avenge ourselves.

When we truly believe in a just God, we’re able to let go of resentment, revenge, and regret when ministry isn’t fair. When we keep the focus on serving out of love for God and others, we don’t need life and ministry to be fair. It’s when we make it about ourselves, that we struggle. When, however, it isn’t all about ourselves, we can wait for God’s “well done good and faithful servant” knowing that “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you helped his people …” (Heb. 6:10).

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Discontent or Discouraged in Serving?

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Ever have the ministry blues? We may find ourselves discontent or discouraged in serving if we’re missing some important internal components inherent to contentment and encouragement in ministry.

What’s Missing When We Find Ourselves Discontent or Discouraged in Serving?

1) Joy

Sometimes the stresses and anxieties of life seep into ministry. People may let us down. Circumstances may not be as we wish. Ministry, yes, even ministry, may not seem fair. Yet, when we rejoice “in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4), rather than trying to find joy in our circumstances, we can “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

2) Significance

Sometimes we don’t feel like what we do is very important compared to what others do. Or, perhaps we do think it matters but don’t get much appreciation from others. When we find our significance in and because of God’s grace (1 Cor. 15:10), however, we begin to realize that no matter the size or type of ministry, what we do does matter, even if others fail to take notice.

3) Perspective

Sometimes we do what we should do but obstacles and troubles still come. Even though we trusted God, things still went wrong so we get discouraged. To gain the perspective we need, we must gain a bigger and fuller view of God. Though He’s powerful enough to prevent or fix problems, He’s also sovereign and wise. He knows the beginning from the end. He truly does have the ability to work all things “for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28). The more we cease striving and acknowledge that He’s God (Ps. 46:10), though we don’t understand, we can find peace and contentment in the darkest days.

Overcoming Discontentment and Discouragement

You’ll find the antidote for each of the above components mentioned above. First, however, …

1) Identify why you are discontent or discouraged, remembering the following verses about the need for God to guide this process:

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Ps. 139:23-24)

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Prov. 16:2-3)

2) Look to God to supply what you lack, remembering the following verses about God as the Source of all we need:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:11-13)

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Phil. 4:19-20)

3) Continue praying about it, remembering the following verses about how God will be there for you:

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Ps. 55:22)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isa. 26:3-4)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

In Despair, Discontent or Discouraged

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Keeping Issues from Blocking Church Growth & Health

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We want to see our churches grow and become spiritually healthy. Yet, church leaders must deal with many issues that can prevent or stunt reaching those objectives. We can, and should, learn as much as we can about the obstacles but keeping issues from blocking church growth and health requires aligning with God’s overall purposes for the Church.

Objective to Grow & Become Spiritually Healthy

First spend some time reflecting on your desire for church growth and health. Ask God to help you understand your part in it and how to handle blockages to that growth. Here are some articles and books that can help you grasp a better understanding of this objective:

Issues That Might Be Blocking the Realization of These Objectives

Obstacles of both a physical and spiritual nature can sometimes block church growth and health. This post won’t provide solutions but rather point to other resources for you to read, reflect on, and pray about.

  1. Physical concerns like safety and legal issues can get in the way of spiritual growth and health if not dealt with effectively. They could become distractions and even cause people to become disillusioned with the church. Perhaps the following resources can help you with these kinds of issues:
  1. Sometimes people stray from God and His ways. Similar to the account of Achan in the Old Testament whose disobedience to God affected the whole camp (Josh. 7), so will sin left unchecked in the Church lessen its light and saltiness in the world (Matt. 5:13-16). If the people in the church act and react no better than everyone else, what’s the benefit of becoming part of it? Church leaders can find help thinking about their role in these situation in the following resources:
  1. When conflict festers in a church, it tends to derail real ministry and can even lead to division. Jesus clearly stated that a house “divided against itself will not stand” (Matt. 12:25). Leaders can become so consumed with putting out relational fires that they have little left to steer the church toward health and growth. If we can’t reconcile with one another and find ourselves wrapped up in political power plays, how are we any different than the world around us?

Keeping These Issues from Blocking Church Growth & Health Requires Aligning with God’s Purposes

We must always remember what Jesus identified as the Greatest Commandments — to love Him with all of who we are which spills over into loving others (Matt. 22:37-40). Jesus also said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn. 13:34-35). Church life will at times get messy as a diverse group of people come together as one living in a world full of trouble (Jn. 16:33). But, if we keep bringing each other back into alignment with God’s overriding purposes, we will overcome and continue to grow and mature in Him. To keep from letting issues destroy and divide rather than build up and propel us, we need to “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). Use the resources below to work through how to continue on this pursuit:

Keeping Issues from Blocking Church Growth & Health Requires Aligning with God’s Purposes

More Help for Leaders: Leadership Resources

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When Things Go Wrong in Ministry

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When Things Go Wrong in Ministry Ask God to Search Your Heart
When things go wrong in ministry it’s important to get to the root of the problem. Before pointing our finger at other people, let’s ask God if we could have done something differently.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Ps. 139:23-24)

If we don’t ask ourselves some strategic questions, we might apply the wrong solution and potentially make things worse. And, history will possibly repeat itself as we didn’t learn from what happened.

Questions to Ask When Things God Wrong in Ministry

1) Did I adequately prepare?

Sometimes just a little more time, effort, or foresight in the planning stages could have averted a lot of problems. — We may need to learn to be more patient with the process so we’re more careful and wise in making the most of every opportunity. (Eph. 5:15-16)

2) Did my non-verbal communication match what I said verbally?

When we say what we mean and mean what we say, our non-verbal communication usually aligns. A lack of such authenticity, however, sends mixed messages and often results in misunderstandings. — We may need to learn to better guard our heart since what’s in our heart tends to come out. (Prov. 4:23; Lk. 6:45)

3) Did people know what was expected of them?

If we fail to let people know what’s expected of them, can we really blame them when things go wrong? — We may need to learn to communicate more clearly and honestly. (Eph. 4:15, 25)

4) Did my methodology match the abilities and needs of the people I serve?

The better we understand the people we serve, the more we can adapt what we do to best meet their needs and gain their cooperation. — We need be more willing to take the time and effort to truly get to know the people we serve. (1 Cor. 9:19-23)

5) Did I get others involved in the process or did I push through my own agenda?

If people lack a sense of ownership in the process, or feel devalued, we are looking at potential problems. — We may need to learn to relinquish control. (Matt. 20:25-28; Eph. 4:2-3)

6) Did I fully rely on God’s Spirit to be at work in and through me?

When we rely on our own understanding and efforts, we can only blame ourselves when things go wrong. However, if we are truly relying on God’s Spirit to be at work in and through us, then we can be confident that God will use the adverse circumstances for some sort of greater good we don’t yet understand. — We may need to learn pray more from start to finish, trusting God in all our ways. (Prov. 3:5-6; Col. 4:2)

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Let’s Get Honest About Serving

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Sometimes people eagerly agree to serve in a church or ministry with hopes of making a difference only to have their expectations and dreams of what it would be like dashed. Sometimes leaders, desperate to recruit workers, paint such a rosy picture that when something goes wrong, people feel disappointed and disillusioned with ministry. Sometimes seminaries and other training venues provide help with essential skills but fail to mention how, in real life, it’s not always as easy as steps 1,2,3. Inadvertently, we’re just not always being honest about serving.

If We’re Being Honest About Serving We Must Admit Certain Realities

Serving will not always go smoothly. People scheduled to help cancel at last minute. Costs for proceeding with what we’d like to do skyrocket above the budget. Equipment breaks. Not enough people show up to proceed with a planned activity. More people than we were prepared for attend. Distractions or disruptions happen.

Serving will often take more time than we realize. We may struggle to adequately prepare. The needs of those we serve may be greater than anticipated. If we aren’t careful, it can put a drain on family life or lead to personal burnout.

Disagreements and conflict happen. We may find ourselves faced with philosophical differences, theological disputes, or personality clashes. Not everyone we serve with will act and respond in a godly manner.

We will not always be treated fairly or appreciated for what we do. Deference may be given to individuals older or younger than us, of a certain gender or marital status, or in certain positions. Perhaps no one thanks us or even acknowledges all we do.

Results and the reward of serving won’t always be apparent. Not everyone will accept the truth. People won’t always change. We won’t always sense an immediate gratification. We may feel like we’re always giving but never receiving.

It’s the Other Realities that Make Ministry Worthwhile

Face it. We live in a fallen world that affects our own attitudes and responses, that of leaders and fellow ministry workers, as well those we serve (Rom. 7:14-25; Gal. 5:13-17). We have an enemy, the devil, out to discourage and defeat, “looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Jesus Himself admits that we will have trouble in this world (Jn. 16:33).

BUT, we have on our side One who has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). He went before us and understands the problems we face, having endured so much worse yet persevered (Heb. 12:1-2). Fruitful ministry is not up to us but the Lord (Jn. 15:5).

If Honest About Serving, It May be Difficult but Not in Vain
Though ministry isn’t always easy, we can keep our “spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11) when we “labor in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58) through whom we “can do all things” (Phil. 4:13).

In Him, through the strength He provides, ministry is worthwhile. It will not be in vain. In Him, we find the needed peace, perspective, and perseverance that enables us to rise above the negative realities in serving. Abide in Him if you want fruitful ministry (Jn. 15:5).

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal. 6:9)

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Restarts in Ministry

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God Gives What We Need for Restarts in Ministry

Often when we’re stuck or sluggish in our ministries, we need a restart. — “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead …” (Phil. 3:13)

God gives us the wisdom, power, and grace we need to get beyond where we are to start anew.

Examples of Restarts in Ministry

Feeling unfulfilled in ministry? Perhaps you need to re-examine if you’re using the spiritual gifts God has given you. You may need to push the restart button to serve in ways that better fit His intent for you.

In a rut? If ministry has become a bit lackluster, you may need to push the restart button to refocus and rediscover the joy of serving.

  • Understand God’s desire for you: Ps. 40:1-3; Isa. 40:30-31; Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 10:12-13; Rev. 2:3-5
  • Trust in the Lord for renewed strength to break out of your rut and soar again with a new song in your heart.
  • Seek God’s grace to not give in to the temptation to stay where you are.
  • For More:

Struggling with feeling insignificant in a behind-the-scenes ministry? You may need to push the restart button for an attitude adjustment.

No matter the issue, God has the wisdom, power, and grace you need for a restart. He truly is a God of new beginnings so “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6).

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