Surviving Ministry Part 1
by Scott Hamilton on Tuesday, 3rd July 2012
Ministry is tiring- that is not a problem. Ministry can become wearying- that is a problem. There is a level of attrition that afflicts people serving in the local church that points towards unwise and unhealthy practices being put in place. We need an antidote if we want to endure in what the Lord has called us to and it is to flee from burdens He never intended us to carry. Our focus can very quickly become upon our deficiency rather than Jesus sufficiency. So here are some things that may help us to get back on focus:
Routine with the Lord that refreshes. Spending time with the Lord in such a way as breathes fresh life into our walk with Lord. Most of us may fare better if we recognised that our quiet time, morning devotions (call it what you will) were to be approached on the basis of needing something from the Lord, that can only be found in the Lord, to get us through the day. Put it this way- don't get stuck trying to write a phd before breakfast when what you need to sound is an SOS before breakfast.
Relationships that release. Having people you can just be with and let off steam with. Healthy friendships that are not a context for undertaking gossip or unpacking grievance but bring you joy through presence, play and, above all, prayer. Find people who make you laugh and express their love for you and be with them often.
Realise your most effective times of the day. How many of the most effective people in the world do you reckon are morning people? My guess is a lot. I also don't think that you become a morning person by accident but by choosing to not be a nocturnal creature. Find the times of your day when you achieve most and get after it, spend the time when you may not be most productive in work activities and redeem them for non-work activities whatever they may be.
Rest well. Take a day off, make sure you fence of holiday time, recharge your batteries because rest is something the Bible tells us we need and too often our bodies our crying out for. You need it and God, in His grace, has given you it.
Check back tomorrow for part 2