Ministry Troubles

Ministry Troubles: Circumstances Beyond Your Control

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

We know that we must expect trouble in this world (Jn. 16:33), which includes ministry, but some trouble can be more frustrating than others. How frustrated we become could depend on how easily the problem can be fixed or how much of an inconvenience it is.

Circumstances we have little or no control over can be a different matter.

For example, the effects of bad weather, holidays, natural disasters, concurrent community events, and the like can result in low attendance or cancellations, setting up or cleaning up in ways you weren’t expecting, decreased giving, etc. This is especially troublesome when you have spent much time in planning and prayer and thought God was going to do something big.

Dealing with Circumstances Beyond Your Control

You might face circumstances beyond your control.

Reactions: discouragement and frustration

Remember: God is sovereign and nothing takes Him by surprise. He will work all things for the good.

The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (Prov. 15:3)

I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. … What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. (Isa. 46:9-11)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. … you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matt. 10:29-31)

And 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)

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

Recourse: Praise God for who was in attendance or for what you do have rather than fret over who was missing or what you don’t have. Trust that He is working out His purposes in ways you simply cannot see.

You’ll find more types of ministry troubles listed below under related posts.

Ministry Troubles: Unexpected Change

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 11 Comments ↓

Troubles we face in ministry are not necessarily directly related to sin or some kind of tragedy. When Jesus warned that we would have trouble in this world (Jn. 16:33), He did not specify what kind of trouble or its source. Trouble can be anything that stirs up distress within us, that makes our efforts more difficult or uncertain, such as the unexpected or new.

Dealing with Unexpected Change

You might face unexpected changes in your ministry or be asked to do a ministry you haven’t done before.

Reactions: fears, anxieties, and insecurities

Remember: God has provided equipping resources through various means to help you but the most important resource is Himself and His divine power.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service. (Eph. 4:11-12a)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

May the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. (Heb. 13:20-21)

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Pet. 1:3)

Recourse: Avail yourself of the resources He provides.

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Posted on April 18, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Jesus warned of troubles in this world (Jn. 16:33). We do ministry in this world so expect some ministry troubles.

Those who are new to serving as a volunteer in the church, or fresh out of Bible college or seminary going into full-time ministry, are especially susceptible to discouragement or disillusionment as they often go into service without realistic expectations.

Ministry related troubles will come.

James 1:2 refers to facing “trials of many kinds.” What we face in ministry can bring all sorts of stress and negative feelings if we do not learn to do the first part of James 1:2 — “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” That is easier to do if rather than looking at troubles we face in ministry as problems, we look at them as opportunities. Remembering certain truths will help.

Often it is our interpretation of our circumstances that takes us down a dark path. We need to step back and take an objective look at the problem through the grid of Scripture. Jesus’ words in John 8:32 show what happens when we grab hold of truth, particularly truth through God’s lens:

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

A helpful book which you can learn more about and/or order in our affiliate bookstore, Telling Yourself the Truth, “teaches you how to identify your own misbeliefs and replace them with the truth.”

We will look at some of the ministry related troubles you might face in a series of posts:

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Attitude Toward Those Who Do Us Wrong

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 9 Comments ↓

In ministry we will have people who let us down or disappoint us in some way. We might also experience betrayal, false accusations, or other hard-to-take acts against us. How do we react? What is our attitude toward them? How do we treat them?

Jesus’ Attitude in Ministry Toward Those Who Did Him Wrong

As I was reading John 13:1-11 in some personal time with the Lord, I noticed bookends to a well-known story about Jesus.

We often get caught up in the act of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet and its lessons on servanthood. We might take note of Peter’s reaction and Jesus’ response. But, how often do we tie in verses 2 and 11, what I am calling the bookends to this story?

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. …

For he (Jesus) knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

I believe these verses are significantly placed in the context of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him but He washed His feet anyway. He humbled Himself in this act of service not only for those who would ultimately remain faithful and true to Him, some of whom would die as martyrs for Jesus, but also for the one who would betray Him.

I am reminded of Jesus’ teaching:

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Lk. 6:27-28)

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. (Lk. 6:32-33)

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Lk. 6:35-36)

Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus extended grace to His enemies, saying “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).

Jesus, “for the joy set before him endured the cross.” “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:2-3)

Jesus knew there was a bigger picture and committed Himself to the Father to take care of Him which is why He could serve the one he knew would betray Him.

Aren’t you glad we don’t usually know in advance when someone will do us wrong? We would probably have an even greater struggle with our attitude toward them. Not Jesus! He still did good. He maintained perspective.

If you find maintaining perspective difficult, perhaps the 40 Day Challenge to Maintaining a Healthy Perspective will help. These are pillars of truth you need to cling to in order to maintain a good attitude toward those who do you wrong. (Feel free to copy the 40 Day Challenge page from the link above for your own use or to give to others who might be helped by it. Be sure check out the discussion guide which also includes the challenge.)

Not Finding Much Joy in Ministry?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Philippians 4:4 —

“Rejoice in the Lord always.”

The Apostle Paul knew the difficulties and disappointments that come in ministry. He experienced hardships in life. Yet, he exhorts us to rejoice ALWAYS.

To Find Joy in Ministry, We Must Learn to Rejoice in the Lord

The answer to finding joy is knowing where to find it — “in the Lord”.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in what you are doing.

If your source of joy is in your accomplishments, what happens to your joy when you are hindered from reaching your goals?

We lose our joy when we become anxious about what we are doing rather than trusting God.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in the conditions around you.

If the conditions in which you serve, or live, are less than ideal, what happens to your joy?

We lose our joy when keep our eyes on this world rather than what is to come.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in what you have.

If you were to lose what is most precious to you, how would that affect your joy?

We lose our joy when we focus on what we have or do not have rather than who we are in Him.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in ministry success.

If your ministry efforts, whatever they may be, did not go well, how would it affect your joy?

We lose our joy when we let it become about what we do rather than what He does.

Rejoice in the Lord
— not in people’s opinions of you.

If you didn’t like people’s responses to what we say or do, how much would it affect your joy?

We lose our joy when we are controlled by the expectations of others rather than seeking God’s glory.

When we try to find joy in anything other than in the Lord, we may find ourselves rather joyless at times. Ministry can be disappointing. Life can be hard. The Lord, however, remains faithful and true. He loves us no matter what. He is always good. When we find our joy in Him, we can rejoice always.

When Philippians 4:4 becomes a reality, then we will reflect joy in ministry.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Ministry Blues? Reflecting on an Eternal God will Help!

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 2 Comments ↓

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Ps. 90:2)

How Remembering We Have an Eternal God Helps Us in Ministry

Even though we have an eternal God, it is so easy for us to get caught up in the here and now. To get beyond the tyranny of the urgent, the turmoil of difficult circumstances, and the turbulence of human relationships, we need to remember the following in ministry:

1) With an Eternal God comes eternal purpose.

God accomplished His eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord (Eph. 3:11) through whom He offers a relationship with Himself and the privilege of working in cooperation with Him. His intent is to not only give us an eternal inheritance but also to bring us into conformity to His Son (Rom. 8:28-30).

— Make your ambition be to line up with Him! That will set your sights on what truly matters.

2) With an Eternal God comes eternal perspective.

His “righteousness is everlasting” and His “statutes are forever right.” We should therefore be praying, “give me understanding that I may live” (Ps. 119:142, 144). To live within that abundant life Jesus came to give (Jn. 10:10), we need His perspective on life.

— Make a conscientious effort to see life through His eyes. That will raise you above life’s petty concerns.

3) With an Eternal God comes eternal passion.

God has an eternal passion for those He created which grows out of His eternal characteristics. His love, kindness, and mercy toward us will never end (Jer. 31:3; Isa. 54:8; Ps. 100:5; 103:17) and cannot be measured. Because His righteousness and holiness are also eternal, His concern goes beyond how we feel in the moment to our eternal welfare.

— Make time to bask in His heart for you. That will motivate you beyond measure.

4) With an Eternal God comes eternal power.

We are without excuse for not trusting Him and living a godly life for “since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Rom. 1:20). “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27).

— Make Him the first place you turn. That will make whatever you face seem do-able.

5) With an Eternal God comes eternal perseverance.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, … He will not grow tired or weary” (Isa. 40:28). He always was and always will be God who always was and always will be true to Himself who always was and always will work on behalf of His people. Even “if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Tim. 2:13).

— Make reflection on His faithfulness a part of your every day life. That will enable you to keep going on even when you don’t understand.

Perhaps the demands of ministry seem like more than you can bear. Maybe the burdens of those you are seeking to help weigh you down. If you get your eyes off of your circumstances and onto God, you will find strength, joy, hope, and power of eternal proportions. That is a sure cure for ministry blues!

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isa. 40:31)

God’s eternality is just one of the many attributes of God we need to remember in ministry. Check out the Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool Download for alphabetical listing describing the kind of God who is with us in all we do.