The Challenges of The Ministry

The Challenges of The Ministry

 (Written by Kevin Hall   09.01.17)

Burnout related to the work of ministry is a reality one can avoid. The stats related to the issue say that over 57% of respondents would leave the ministry if they could; 71% struggle with depression; 80% leave within 5 years; 70% feel they have no close friends and 75% feel unqualified (lecture. Pape). These numbers do not bode very well for those considering entering the ministry, not to mention the fact that compensation may not be at the top of Glassdoor’s salary rank. Therefore, the work of ministry must be a calling. 

One must be sure of divine guidance to work the field.  The good news is that there are numerous steps one can take to reduce or prevent burnout – these include taking care of my health; having a hobby; making time for family and friends; keep the learning wheels turning (a leader must constantly learn new things) and having adult friends.

Now, one thing we should not do both personally and professionally is to “neglect the inner man” (96).

Just like the cavalry officer who keeps his sword sharp, clean and stain free (96), so too should the Minister. The Minister is a God-bearer, who should always be ready to defend and protect the interests of his Master. This means he should seek purity and perfection – “according to this will be his success”. This commitment to righteousness makes the minister “an awful weapon in God’s hand” (96). There must be “an integration of both public and private morality in what is called Integrity”. We are not called to “sinless perfection” (107), but we are held to a high moral standard, with Jesus being true north. Leadership “is a privilege, not a right” (113) and we would do well to remember this. Keep in mind that a leader’s character is also colored by his “sexual morality, proven family leadership and his purity of attitude and conduct” (106). The Lord has provided guidelines for how we ought to conduct ourselves in His guidebook, specifically the words of Titus and 1 & 2 Timothy.

Now, the success of my ministry is directly related to my leadership style. One good practice is to lead through transparency and be authentic. This will not be easy. The good thing is that there are also guidelines for this practice which include sharing with intent to edify. The purpose of transparency is not just to spout the mouth off, nor just to “be one’s self”. It is to point people to Christ, although some confessions “are not suited for public consumption” (111). There are two causes of offense to hearers: (1) Doctrine and (2) Life according to Luther. Therefore, leadership comes with responsibility – “The nearer men stand to God, the greater dishonor God has by their miscarriages” (Baxter, 113).

The bottom line is, as I conduct ministry and life, I should be careful about my life and doctrine. Correct doctrine equals correct living. This trickles down to the material I select to study and teach as well as my leadership style. My personal life also trickles down into ministry. One cannot separate the message from the messenger as “I will give who I am”. Therefore, for the benefit of all concerned I must be aware of the six perils that can lead to ministry failures:

·         Feelings of persona inadequacy

·         Strained family relationships

·         A growing sense of confidence

·         Feeling unqualified for the job

·         Disorganization in work habits

·         Burnout (119).

No doubt there are trouble spots in ministry (118) but with God’s help, His revelation, the witness of others and partnership between ministry workers and family, I can strike a healthy balance. It is possible to have a strong sense of identity and a healthy self in the Great Adventure called Ministry.

References:

Robbins, D. This Way To Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan (2004)

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