We usually equate preparing people for ministry with training them to effectively accomplish the tasks involved in their area of service. While that is good and necessary, they should also be prepared for what they will face. If they go into ministry with unrealistic expectations, they’ll become disillusioned, discouraged, or disgruntled. They may even want to quit. Prepared ministry workers, on the other hand, tend to rise above and find serving worthwhile regardless of what they face.
The Truth About Ministry
Ministry will not always be easy or pleasant. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (Jn. 16:33). Nowhere do we read of ministry being the exception.
But, prepared ministry workers acknowledge other truths that make ministry, no matter how difficult or trying it may be, so worthwhile and possible to accomplish with peace and joy in our hearts. We have a Power Source to enable us to not only survive but thrive no matter what we face.
Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:33 begin with, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” Let’s follow the example of the Master Disciple-Maker. He prepared His ministry workers by informing them of the harsh realities of serving. He also informed them of what they needed to remember in order to not lose heart in ministry — “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Kinds of Trouble Ministry Workers Should Be Prepared to Face:
If serving long enough, ministry workers will undoubtedly face some kind of problem or issue. If we at least prepare them for this reality, they may not let it pull them down. Let people know that they will face …
conflict
temptation
(Upcoming posts will provide input for preparing ministry workers for each of the above-mentioned troubles.)
We don’t always know what we will face in ministry so we need to prepare in ways we can. Prepared ministry workers know that no matter what happens, we have a God who is with us to guide, motivate, empower, and use us to make a difference. And, that makes it so worthwhile!
Good training. I need it more