criticism

Non-preachers often don’t realize the roller-coaster of ministry. Due to the exacting nature of ministry – giving out, being buffeted spiritually, etc. – we are all prone to repeated discouragement. Today as you press on through another Sunday, take stock of the realities of ministry:

Discouragements are par for the course. A preacher facing discouragement is normal. One who claims to never get discouraged is a cause for concern. Remember that if you’re feeling down today, or tomorrow, so are hundreds, maybe thousands of other preachers around the globe. You are not alone.

God has gifted, prepared and used you. Look back and spiritually reminisce over those times when God’s gifts have been clear. Remember the blessing of training received, both formally and informally. Thank God for the example of past mentors, prayer partners, etc. Review your file of encouraging notes and emails.

Remember the standard. It is tempting to try to, or to feel pressured to, live up to the standards of someone else. Perhaps the previous pastor, or a famous preacher, or a personal ministry hero of yours. God wants each of us to trust Him and give the best that we can. Let others inspire, but not pressure.

Remember who to please. It is not possible to keep everyone happy all the time. You may preach sensitively and yet tread on toes nonetheless. We are not called to a ministry of plate spinning where each plate is the emotional happiness of each person around us. We are called to live a life of radical love for the Lord, where our desire is to please Him in what we do and why we do it.

What else would you add for the sake of fellow preachers who may be feeling discouraged today?

If you have been involved in ministry for more than a few weeks, you’ve probably noticed that discouragements come with the territory. Of course, there are times when all is great, the mountain-top times. But discouragement will keep biting at us all from various sides. In this post we will consider one response to the issues raised, then in part 2 we’ll balance that with another possible response.

Discouragement can come from others. Sniping, gossiping, criticism, comparison and outright attack. I remember reading Well-Intentioned Dragons, a small book addressing the issue of people who think they are doing the right thing, but keep on tearing down the pastor or minister. Discouragement can come from inside. Feelings of failure, inadequacy, downright fatigue. Discouragement can come from lack of obvious fruit in the ministry. It can come from almost anywhere.

Remember that this treasure is in earthen vessels, and that applies to you as much as to your congregation or to others. Remember that your role is not to make everyone happy all the time. Remember that God has prepared you and gifted you and is continuing to use you, even if you don’t feel it right now.

Paul wrote about earthen vessels in the context of his own preaching ministry (2 Cor.4). “We are earthen vessels so that God will receive the glory. We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; stuck down, but not destroyed.” At times we may feel knocked down, but we’re not knocked out. By God’s grace let us get back up and press on for His glory!