When Ministry Gets Hard…

So admit it – there are days when ministry isn’t all you thought it would be. I was gonna list some of the ‘less than pleasant’ points of ministry…but if you’re in ministry, you know, because it’s probably happened to you along the way.

So how to deal with disappointment in ministry….

Yell at your wife. That’s what I do. She doesn’t appreciate it and I usually feel like a jerk afterward – but, hey, it’s the way of the Testosterone.

Pout. Suck your thumb. Complain that life isn’t fair. That way, everyone around you will know how hard your job is…just in case there was ever any doubt.

Just quit. That’ll teach ’em. They won’t know how good they had it until you’re gone.

Become bitter. By holding on to your hurt and frustration, it will nourish the cynicism and anger in your life and you will become like a bitter tree planted along a bitter river of bitterness…..

“Be strong and courageous” Deuteronomy 31.6

“My yoke is easy and my burden is light” Matthew 11.30

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27

“Cast all your anxiety on Him – He cares for you” 1 Peter 5.7

Nope – ministry’s not always what it’s cracked up to be.

Thank God He is ALWAYS what He’s cracked up to be!!

Author: Darren Sutton

I've been in student ministry nearly 30 years…which generally just confirms how much I still don't know. Some days I'm the pizza-eating, over-responding, teaching-on-the-fly, desperate-for-volunteers, frustrated-with-co-workers youth leader that we all are. And sometimes…I knock it out of the park. I'm everywhere on social media that you are! View all posts by Darren Sutton

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