In it for the long haul
Some of us have been in ministry a while, and it can be exhausting! Or you might be just starting out and wondering how to do this well.
God calls us into ministry not to exhaust us but to be a place where we flourish, where we are effective and where we see the power of his kingdom.
In one of our Lunch with Leaders webinars, Rachel Turner shared five ideas to help that happen.
You can watch the video here and we have added short notes below.
1. Think about how you want to be in ministry: what are the values you want to hold yourself to? For example, you might want everything to be done healthily, peacefully and well. Own that and share it with your family, supporters and team. It helps you keep track of how you are and how your team is.
2. Get your arm holders: who are the people who are for you and can hold you up or call you out? Moses had Jethro, his father-in-law, who spotted what Moses needed and told him, and later Aaron and Hur who supported his ministry when he was exhausted, enabling him to carry on. Who are the people around you who are for you and be what you need to help you flourish?
3. Position your heart and mind well: ministry is a rollercoaster of emotion. Find a way to remember what God has done – encouragements, significant moments, messages, stories from your kids ministry, things God has brought to your attention – and put them up where you will see them so you are reminded of the good stuff and important things and that God is doing things and it’s not about me. Surround yourself with stuff that reminds you of truth, who God is and what he has done and is doing.
4. Be bold in what you need: not what you need for ministry, but what you need spiritually, mentally and emotionally so you can function well: I need a rest, I can’t manage long meetings with no breaks, I need to shift my hours from time to time, I need this conference.
5. Know your shape: how has God shaped you? Some of us love admin or jump at the chance of leading from the front – but die inside if asked to maintain the same programme long term. Be you – recognise your shape – your natural strengths and passions – and find team who complement you.