Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have recounted disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 4: 1-2
As I was finishing my seminary training 15 years ago, I remember clearly being told that 10% of those who graduate with me will not make it past one year of ministry. In other words, after tasting what ministry is all about, they will quit and do something, no anything else. I remember clearly praying silently at that time, "Lord help me not to be one of those 10%!"
Why would folks go through all the pain of three plus years of graduate work, field training, and all the rest to quit soon after starting? Why do an estimated 50% of those who finish their training and work in ministry quit sometime before celebrating 10 years in ministry?
The obvious answer is that ministry is hard work. It has its own unique challenges. It is often demanding labor where obvious results are expected but little authority or power is given to make it happen. While it can be very rewarding, much of what happens in ministry goes unnoticed and is not appreciated. It is also an occupation without great financial reward. Most pastors and their families struggle at various times, particularly early in their career, to make ends meet. With a qualified pastor's skill set, they can make much more in a much easier fashion in other occupations. Furthermore, the work of ministry is never finished! After a successful Sunday, the next Sunday is always coming.
I know these pressures are not unique to those who are in paid ministry. I think many professional occupations share at least some of these characteristics. Yet, few share all of them.
I also think many of these characteristics (with the exception of being paid) mark all of ministry. If you are volunteering at a local church or mission, you will experience many of the same pressures. I would also argue you will have the same destructive tendencies that mark many in paid ministry.
What are these tendencies?
First, most people in ministry are intense people-pleasers. We love the passages of scripture that tell us to deny ourselves and serve. We love the appreciation of those we help. We long to be loved. In fact, we are more than happy to give up power and authority as long as we are loved!
Second, most people in ministry live busy lives. We like it that way! In fact, if we are not responsible for something, we feel like we are letting God, ourselves, and others down. Most people I know in ministry are in a constant struggle against the cultural tide of laziness and sloth. We do not want to be marked by laziness. We will often take on more responsibilities than we can handle because the tasks just need to be done. Tying into the first mark of those in ministry, we are busy and driven to achieve by our desire to be loved and appreciated by others.
Finally, most people in ministry talk about God all the time. What else would we talk about? We meet with people, prepare bible studies, preparing for preaching, and pray in public all the time. This is what is expected of us, and we are more than happy to do what is expected. After all, it might get us more love, it helps feed our busyness, and it just seems right (thus enhancing our reputation!).
I am sure there are other tendencies that mark those in ministry, but I think these big three will do for now. Are these tendencies bad? Of course not! Look at the other side of each tendency: we would be marked by careless disregard for the thoughts and opinions of others; we would be lazy, slow, and irresponsible; and we would not talk about God much. Obviously such a person should not last long in any ministry situation!
The problem is that these tendencies can and often do lead to a spiritual dryness that eats us away from the inside out. Not only is the job hard, but the natural direction of our soul is not toward wholeness and health. Our natural direction is away from finding our rest and strength in the Lord. Instead, we find it in the love and appreciation of others, in what we do and achieve, and in our outward reputation as a ministry leader. If we are not careful, we become a shell of ministry performance wrapped around a desert of spiritual life and vitality.
What can we do to survive and prosper in ministry? To answer the question, Covenant Seminary's Center for Ministry Leadership just completed a study funded by the Lilly Endowment. They concluded that there are five essential themes that mark those who thrive and complete ministry over the long-haul.
First, those who minister must focus on their spiritual growth and formation. All to often, those who minister replace talking about God with learning how to walk in repentance and faith. We must constantly learn how to walk behind the Great Shepherd before we can be an under-shepherd in the Kingdom.
Second, those who minister must focus on taking care of themselves. I know it sounds spiritual to disregard your own health and well-being for others. Yet, if you do so, you will not continue in ministry long-term! We must take care of your body, nurture and grow true friendships (something difficult for those in leadership), and regularly review and maintain our emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual lives.
Third, those who minister must develop solid emotional and cultural intelligence. I will deal with this important tendency in another post. Overall, this tendency means that we continue to develop and work on identifying and managing our emotional and cultural tendencies and biases.
Fourth, those who minister must maintain a healthy marriage and family dynamic. Doing so is part of the ministerial calling, not something that is done in our spare time.
Fifth, those who minister must develop and grow in their ability to lead and manage people and systems. This is one area where seminary training often is lacking, yet it is an area where many pastors and leaders spend much of their time. Because many of us are people-pleasers, we are fearful of leading because it can cause conflict.
How are you surviving ministry? Are you setting yourself up to fail in the long-term because you are neglecting the short-term maintenance and growth that will sustain you? What do you do to allow the Fountain of Life to water your constantly drying and weary soul?
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