‘Ministry’ is a somewhat loaded term. What exactly is it? Where does it start and end? Our pews are filled with people. Often people with problems. There’s always more you could ( and should?) be doing. Especially if you’re a natural carer and thrive on feeling wanted. We hate seeing others in pain and know in our heads that we aren’t the answer. But self-worth quickly becomes entwined with self-giving. We make ourselves indispensable. Instead of pointing other to Jesus, we can set ourselves up as mini-Saviours instead. Then we beat ourselves up for feeling overworked and not having the resources to work miracles.
In churches, just as in offices there can also be hierarchies. We serve in different ways, but manning the tea rotas is a lot less glamorous than say preaching, or leading up-front. Children’s work too, can be mistaken for child-minding, or at best, a stepping stone on the path to ‘real’ ministry – ie; with adults.
It’s easy to forget that God provides for us and not vice-versa. In other words, we can caricature Him as a slightly bigger version of the office bully, both dependent and demanding. This is so far from the truth that Jesus warns about it in the parable of the talents, where a servant is criticised, not for misusing office resources, but for misjudging his master’s character. Similarly, the culture of the boardroom can determine the shape of our service. Just as employees might be expected to put in overtime at work, in some church contexts, workaholism is viewed as a glorious and necessary outcome to discipleship. Burn-out can be wrongly perceived as a badge of honour, and rest flies out the window along with prohibitions on mildew and shellfish.
Then there’s the question of gifting. Of course we want to use the talents that God has given us – but these are valuable only when matched to maturity and character. Placing someone in a position of leadership just because they can do it, is not enough. Similarly, those in full-time ‘ministry’ need to challenged and supported, just like everyone else. Just because you’re married to the vicar or running the tea-rota, doesn’t mean that your spiritual and emotional life is perfect. Nor does Jesus need us for a sunbeam. He loves us, wants us and includes us – in His work. But He’s the great servant, not me. And thank God for that.
Great thoughts! Maybe, we also have a limited view of what ministry includes, and which kinds actually help people. A lot of everyday, one on one encounters have powerful and lasting impact, but are rarely called ministry. Spouses, our own kids, coworkers, NEIGHBORS, not a lot of resume-enhancing glory in serving these folks, but this is often the ‘work’ we run from (too risky). He shall lead his flock like a shepherd, carrying the weak lambs, and gently leading those who are with young. He never loads us up too heavy for today.
Thanks Caroline, this is absolutely right.. the everyday serving might not make the resume but it can be more powerful than the big gestures.
Speaking personally as someone trying to recover from a burn-out breakdown, it is no glamourous badge of honour. It’s an intensly painful procedure, where your life collapses around you. You have no resources left, nothing left to give. You can no longer help other people. You can’t even help yourself. The internal hurt, pain, disappointment, anger, humiliation, shame, loss & grief. Become your constant companions. You wonder whether you ever had a relationship with God, did you hear him wrong, were your motives wrong. The road to recovery is long and excruciating, often involves medication, loss of friendships, loneliness, clinical depression, acute anxiety, panic attacks, chronic exhaustion, a loss of delight in life and a complete lack of joy and often leads into a darknight if the soul – where God purges you and seems to be terrifyingly distant. You no longer live, you just exist. I wouldn’t recommend it. It feels like a badge of failure, there really is no honour in it. Avoid at all costs – which is often as simple as listening more to God and being willing to say ‘No’ unless he says ‘Yes’. That won’t get you a badge on honour either!!!
Thanks for sharing so honesty from painful experience. Am continung to pray for you x
Those are some nice thoughts. But why is my book up there beside them? The contents of the book are about another topic altogether.
Hi David
Thanks for pointing this out. I’m sorry – I should have checked with you before using the cover, especially given it’s on a different topic! I’ve changed the image and will be more careful in future.
Aw, crap! I shouldn’t have said anything. That was some good free publicity right there.
Thank you for the good writeup. It in reality was once a leisure account it. Glance complex to more brought agreeable from you! However, how could we keep in touch?|