Whatever your role—pastor, chaplain, church administrator, evangelist, or teacher—ministry always has challenges, real and, at times, overwhelming. But such challenges are accompanied with their own rhythm of hope and enthusiasm.
You’ll find that fact inherent in the very concept that God calls us to ministry. Because He owns our ministry, He directs our path and strengthens our task. Therefore, challenges can become opportunities to affirm and experience hope and enthusiasm for ministry. Three recent experiences enabled me to make such an affirmation.
Finding time for the study of the Word of God remains a challenge. It seems that many other things—some important—demand our attention. I recall making such a statement to a congregation I was pastoring. Several members told me that they assumed only they had this challenge. But those of us in ministry know all of us face it: how to find time for in-depth study. For a number of months I thought I had what seemed a reasonable explanation for not spending more time in the Word—the room where my resource books are kept was under repair and the books were not organized. During this period I studied the Word, but because many of my books were not available and the environment was not conducive, studying was difficult. One day I decided to act. I cleared some space and spent serious time in the Word. No more excuses. I did not have access to all my resources, but I had enough to enrich my study. The renewed commitment to deeper study blessed me.
What’s keeping you from spending the needed time in the Word? Take action to set aside the needed time. You and your congregation will be blessed. This I experienced.
. Some years ago I recall hearing predictions that preaching will soon disappear. We were told that other more effective means of communicating will replace preaching. Interestingly enough, some prophets of this demise were right, but mostly in their own ministry.
Those who have a passion for preaching don’t see it as a relic from the past. Their preaching still challenges, encourages, invites, and gives hope to congregations. The other day I was talking to a colleague. Recently he experienced serious challenges in his life. Instead of getting discouraged, he told me that he has a renewed passion for preaching. Each sermon has become an exciting journey for him.
Evaluate your preaching. When you stand before a congregation do you have an intense desire to share the message of hope? I think of a recent experience in a country where the people are facing what seem to be insurmountable challenges. Despite this, they eagerly wanted to hear a message from God’s Word. Their enthusiastic responses blessed me. I was again reminded that preaching should not be described as a preacher delivering a message—rather as the preacher and the congregation participating in a message from God.
. “Another large settlement resulting from clergy abuse was announced,” stated the radio announcer. Though some deny it, the problem of abuse by clergy exists worldwide and across denominational lines. Just thinking about clergy abuse can be discouraging for, after all, clergy are supposed to be individuals who responded to God’s call. Whatever happened to the idea of holiness?
Without ignoring the problems of abuse and other clergy problems, we must not forget the ministers who stay faithful in God’s ministry. And often, many have to do it under challenging circumstances.
Recently I had the privilege of lecturing to 19 ministers in the Sudan. This country has been in the news because of the conflicts taking place there. During the 12 days I spent with this group, I was impressed with their commitment to ministry and the absence of complaints. One pastor, for example, had to travel ten days by various means of transportation to reach his home. A number of them had churches scattered over a large area (Sudan is the largest African country) so that at times they are away from their families for many weeks while visiting their congregations. Reasons to complain could be multiplied, yet while these individuals spoke of their challenges, they focused on the opportunities God gives them. My time with this group encouraged me because of their contagious enthusiasm for ministry.
What gives you hope and enthusiasm for your ministry? I would be delighted to hear from you.
