Category Archives: Ministry Troubles

Sometimes ministry doesn’t go as expected. Then what?

Suppose you were given you a paper cup and asked to do something with it to represent your typical reaction when ministry goes wrong, or not as expected.

What would you do with the cup?

• Would you squash it to represent feeling deflated, like you see it as a failure?
• Perhaps you’d rip the sides down like beams from the sun to represent looking only at the bright side rather than the negatives.
• Maybe you’d poke holes through the sides and bottom of the cup to look like a sieve, meaning that you let things pass right through you, not thinking much about it or letting it affect you.
• Would you want to throw the cup as hard as you could at someone else?
• Or, would you cut around the bottom so it flipped up like a lid, signifying your desire to peer inside to see what you can learn from the situation?

Types of Reactions to Ministry Not Going as Expected

Basically, however you would shape the cup, it would depict one of the following reactions:

a pessimistic reaction

an optimistic reaction

an apathetic reaction

a projected reaction

a realistic reaction

(Click on a link above for thoughts on that reaction.)

How Would God Want Us to React?

As humans, we tend to have default reactions to when things go wrong. As we lean into God’s power and grace, our natural tendencies come more and more under His control. Our reactions then become more realistically in line with God’s character and ways. We will still acknowledge that the “cup” is the cup (something gone wrong). We will, however, tend to find ourselves peering inside to see what God has for us for “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

The next post provides some questions we can ask to regain perspective when ministry doesn’t go as expected.

“In this world you will have trouble.” (Jn. 16:33)

Not only do we face personal issues but we are also affected by the problems of others.  Out of concern for them and their struggles, we desire to help people resolve their problems.  Sometimes we know just what to do but other times we might be at a loss.

When we find ourselves trying to deal with the same or similar issues, we can get to feeling like a hypocrite and perhaps question whether we should even be in ministry.

Dealing with People’s Personal Problems

You might face all sorts of hard life issues in the lives of the people whom and with whom you serve.

Reactions: concern and/or uncertainties about how to help, what to say, what to do

Remember: It is God’s job to “fix” people and cause them to grow, not ours.  We merely work in cooperation with Him.

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. … For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.  … (1 Cor. 3:5-11)

Recourse: Be there for one another (Gal. 6:1-5) and love the people you serve deeply (1 Pet. 1:22; 4:8) but trust God to do the work in their hearts.

Dealing with Your Own Issues

You might face similar situations or problems in your own life as the people you serve.

Reactions: guilt and shame

Remember: You too are human.  God takes that into account.  You are not above temptations, falling into sin, making wrong decisions, or having negative reactions.  God provides the help you need in times of temptation and the forgiveness you need when you have failed.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.  (Ps. 103:13-14)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  (1 Cor. 10:13)

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  (1 Jn. 1:8-9)

Recourse: Have a realistic view of yourself (Rom. 12:3).  Repent (1 Jn. 1:8-9) and remember Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery to go and sin no more (Jn. 8:3-11).  Learn from it so you will be able to better serve those to whom and with whom you minister.  Waddling in guilt will only bring you and your ministry down.

Dealing with Financial Hardships

You might face a depletion of financial resources.

Reactions:  worry and stress over how to maintain ministry

Remember:  God will provide what you need to do HIS will as you make Him and His kingdom a priority.  You can learn to be content in whatever situation you find yourself.  God promises wisdom to make proper decisions to those who ask.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt. 6:33-34)

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 everything through him who gives me strength.  (Phil. 4:12-13)

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  (James 1:5)

Resource:  Take these issues to the Lord in prayer and you will have the peace you need to make it through hard times (Phil. 4:6-7).  Be a faithful steward with what He has given you and trust Him to supply what is needed to do HIS will.

For help with church finances, go to: Church Financial Management & Budgeting Resources

We know, as Jesus said, that we will have troubles in this world (Jn. 16:33).  What we don’t often expect is the trouble we can have in the church or parachurch ministries.  Somehow we think the church should be exempt but in looking at the prevalence of division and splits, we know that isn’t true.

The church is made up of people … people whose sinful human nature can cause conflict when not actively walking in the Spirit.  Much of the trouble we face in ministry involves dealing with people’s negative reactions or hurtful actions.

Dealing with Conflict in the Church

You might face conflict in the church for any number of reasons or discipline issues in the classroom.

Reactions:  frustration and possibly feeling like a failure which, if not dealt with properly, could lead to disunity and dysfunction.

Remember:  At the end of the day you are responsible before God for what you do.  Make sure you can stand before God with your integrity intact regardless of what others are doing.

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.  Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.  (Rom. 14:12-13)

Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.  For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. (Rom. 14:16-18)

Recourse: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification” (Rom. 14:19) and then rest in God.

Perhaps some of these articles will be helpful:

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