I get asked this often by fellow ministers.
I don’t always know how to answer the question. What are you asking — how I’m feeling about it? How many attendees are in the church? How I’m managing the logistic and administrative demands of it? Are you asking if I’m working wonders and walking in the supernatural? How are our finances? How is my personal life being affected by the workload? Oh, the internal tensions and relationship conflicts? The list is endless.
I tend to mutter some gibberish response that shows some sense of progress, but I usually don’t make sense. At other times, I just smile sardonically or sigh because I imagine that’s what seems to be expected — such a challenging venture, this ministry thing!
What exactly is this thing about and what are the yardsticks by which I should check my status? Why do people make it seem to be such a difficult thing? I mean, don’t get me wrong — it is possibly the most challenging venture in the world. But does it need to be? Aren’t there folks who have gotten it right? I don’t mind doing the work. But let me know what the work that needs to be done, and let me do it excellently.
Some look at ministers who have large crowds and great assets as successful in ministry. They have much regard for them. We will all get there, but until then and after that, how are we doing? What defines success in ministry? How does the minister who does not have these things keep his head up? Is it about large crowds and great assets primarily?
A minister told me today “Don’t worry Taiwo, better days are ahead.” I appreciated it. He spoke as though he knew of the deep discouragement that I have faced lately. But I also wondered — what exactly is wrong with where we are today? So, people are not coming. Ehen? Am I the owner of the sheep that I should force them in? What do better days look like? If my joy is full only when the house becomes full, it means something is wrong. What do I want to do with them, anyway? Yes, more love and opportunity for growth in more lives. I hope that’s what everyone wants. But I would be foolish to not esteem myself until such a time. My self esteem comes from the one who sent me and doing what he asked me to do. I’m in a fortunate position where the motives of my heart are easy to test and correct, and I do so swiftly.
Man of God, why are you discouraged? Are you sure your motives are right?
I will do what I should, and that will be enough. As long as I’m playing my role, I refuse any form of discouragement or self-pity. I am in the will of God — I am successful now!
I am human. I get discouraged sometimes. I take things personal. I occasionally make errors of judgement and indulge my flesh. I have times of indiscipline. But I get back up! I go again. I rebuild my altar, order my thoughts and time, and get back on track.
Ministry is going well! The Lord be praised. The church meets frequently to fellowship. Our meetings are great. We do what we know to do. The Holy Spirit is guiding and helping us. We maintain our focus on His word. We don’t walk in the flesh. We honour those he has set above us. We love one another. We are not doing this to aggrandize ourselves. It’s His church! I am at rest. Praise His holy name!
