Let’s give each other the gift of truth – just because we are in ministry doesn’t mean we don’t have bad days. It doesn’t mean that we work with perfect and nice people all day. It doesn’t mean that we are happy, joyful, and fulfilled week in and week out. Of course we have moments where we think, “Wow! God, thank you for allowing me to be a part of what you are doing.” Savor those moments! I pray for many more of those in your ministry and mine! But if we are honest, there are other days when we ask some of the following questions: Is ministry really worth it? Am I making a difference here? Is my heart even in this anymore? Do I have what it takes to continue to do ministry? How much longer can I put up with (insert your frustration of the month)? Questions like this are all too familiar to me and many people in ministry. These are days that we want to quit, run for the hills, work at the local hardware store, or (one I hear a lot) become a missionary or start my own church.
In moments like these, I remind myself of two important truths. First, I have been here before – actually dozens of times in the last 15 years of ministry. It is common for me to feel this way after a multi-day event, a conflict with someone, when I am sick, and when our ministry numbers are down. But the feeling of retreat is nothing new. Secondly, I remind myself that I am not alone in feeling this way. There isn’t anything extraordinary about my circumstances. Don’t allow that to be discouraging to you. Let it be a pressure release that the employee down the hall, the youth worker across town, and the super-star conference speaker that you enjoy are all journeying a similar road of the ups and downs of a life in ministry.
When bad days turn into bad weeks, I begin to ask myself some very important questions in self-reflection. I am completely aware of my “blind spots” when I am feeling this way but I need to have to boldness to confront what has gotten me to this point. Direct questions that require authenticity and honesty help me in that process. For example:
Where do I see God at work around me?
Am I using my spiritual gifts or am I getting distracted with other things?
What is the status of my primary relationships – Cori (my wife), my individual children, extended family, close friends, my boss, etc?
How would I describe my times with God?
Am I taking care of myself – staying healthy, seeing a doctor/dentist regularly, exercising?
How am I sleeping? What are others saying about my ministry? Who is investing in me?
Who am I investing in?
What makes me want to quit?
What makes me want to stay?
Navigating these questions with the Lord and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit allows me to see my circumstances a little more clearly. I am better able to take responsibility for the things I can control and take steps of obedience in those matters.
One of the secrets of lasting, fulfilling, and fruit-bearing ministry is the ability to struggle well through days when you want to walk away. Is now the right time for you to quit? Maybe so. Seek counsel before making such a big decision. However, chances are it is not time to leave. Take in these truths and seek answers to these questions. Say “So long!” to discouragement (at least until next month).
