FACING TRIALS AND CHALLENGES IN MINISTRY

Facing trials and challenges in Ministry

Times of conflict, trials and challenges

Within the great joys and victories of ministry we often must admit to times of trials, challenges and even discouragement.

Discouragement, rather than being a rarity, was, as John Stott , the British Pastor and Theologian has said, an “occupational hazard of the Christian ministry.”

Luther knew it; so did Spurgeon; so do most pastors today.

In his Book Leadership pain, Samuel R Chand “leadership that doesn’t produce pain is either in a short season of unusual blessing or it isn’t really making a difference. ”

Trials make us stronger

Trials make us formidable

Trials are your friends

Emotional and mental toughness is developed

The crisis is raising something in us that you didn't know was there

Challenges are proof that what you used to do is not working any more

Your level of operations needs an upgrade

The upgrade is long overdue if everything that God has you We need to up our game

2 Timothy 1:6 NIV84

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Hold on to God, how?

Colossians 3:1 NIV84

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Sources of encouragement

Prayer, Bible reading, study, and meditation—though often a struggle to maintain—put us in the presence of God, and for the hurting pastor there is no better place to be.”

Somewhere in the demanding pastoral schedule there must be a place for becoming refreshed in spirit.

God’s changing lives through your ministry.

Writes a pastor on the Leadership survey: “Shortly after I came to my present church I began working with a man who was near bottom in alcoholism. His wife and teenage son were also drug abusers.

“But today, after working with them over a three-year period, the family is sober. The man is working as a counselor in a drug-treatment facility. The wife completed nursing school and is working as a nurse. And the son is succeeding in school.

“I am encouraged today in that I know for sure God’s love works miracles. I’ve seen those miracles.”

“When you see God’s Spirit move in another person’s life, it also reconfirms what God has done in your own life.

sermon preparation and delivery

Vacations, and rest/relaxation/exercise was also named frequently.

Being friends with members of our church

friends outside the church.

Visitation

A good relationship with leaders

Gods Truth

God’s truth restores us to proper perspective. The realisation that things would be tough and diffiuclt in Ministr, but God has, is and would still continue to use us.

“One resource a pastor has for staying power is the example of those who have stayed.” It’s helpful to hear from people who can say, as one did on the survey, “Now in retirement, the more I consider it all, the more amazed I am at the goodness of God and the loving people who have made up the membership of the churches I have served.”

Gods love

Nahum 1:7 NIV84

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

God’s love isn’t based on my performance, but it really is based on who I am in Christ

God’s call.

“I believe I was called by God, and that’s enough for me,” wrote one pastor.

A sense of divine call is the great slab of bedrock upon which ministry rests.

If God calls you to ministry, he will keep you going. He’s ultimately responsible for that.”

The once hidden mystery

The apostle Paul talks frequently in Colossians of a mystery that has been hidden for ages and generations. That mystery, he explains, is the Christian’s hope of glory.

What is the mysterious, long-hidden secret?

Christ in you, he says.

Christ actually dwelling within, bringing his truth, love, and call. That’s what will sustain us until glory.

Colossians 1:27 NIV84

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Pastors who’ve persevered have found that after all the various resources for staying power are laid out, there’s still only one. Christ within.

2 Corinthians 4:1 NIV84

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 4:7–9 NIV84

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.