Defeating Discouragement in Ministry

Do you ever feel like quitting ministry?  I sure do.  Normally it's after a long weekend. I find questions like these trying to pry into my mind.

Did the kids get anything I tried to teach them?

I don't have enough volunteers. I have asked and asked and asked people to serve, but they are not interested.

Why did he drop out of volunteering with me? I have poured so much into him and now he is turning his back on me.

I can't believe they have started attending another church. I have invested so much time into that family.

It seems like the kids are not growing spiritually. I don't know what else to do.

My lesson illustration / activity flopped! I am not a good teacher.

None of the parents want to get involved.  

I keep finding take home papers in the trash can or on the ground in the parking lot.

The boys just stand there doing worship time. 

I feel like our church really doesn't care about children's ministry.

I am exhausted! I feel burned out.

I'm not sure I am called to children's ministry any more.

Maybe they need to find someone who can do a better job than me. I feel like a failure!

The ministry isn't growing.  I don't know what else to do.

If you have thoughts like these at times. You are not alone. We all face this at times.

Stats say that over 1,500 pastors quit the ministry each month. 

45% of pastors say they struggle with burnout or depression.  

75% of pastors say they face severe stress.

30% of people who go into ministry quit before 5 years. 

Even though you may or will face these type of struggles, you don't have to quit. 

You can defeat discouragement.

Here's how,

Stay focused on your calling.  

God called you into ministry and that hasn't changed. I was called into ministry when I was 16 years old. I didn't want to be in ministry. I pushed back against the calling for several months.  But the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit kept gently nudging me toward why I was born.  I was born to do ministry.  To ignore or disavow this would have made me miserable for the rest of my life.

I am called to reach kids and families. I am called to help disciple kids and families.  That is me.  

Is that you?  If you are called, then you must continue to walk in that calling. It is where you will find joy in-spite of the discouragement. It is where you will find fulfillment in-spite of the fatigue. It is where you will walk in God's anointing and blessing.  

The gifts and calling of God are without repentance according to Romans 11:29.  Once God gives someone a gift or calling, He will not change His mind and take it back; it is a permanent and irrevocable blessing.

Some of the most miserable people I know are people who are called by God into ministry but have said "no" to the calling.  

Don't let your discouragement cause you to walk away from your calling.  Stay with your calling. Yes, you will face times of discouragement.  But it is also where you will find your greatest joy, 

Dwell on the good things God has given you.  

Sit down and make a list of the blessings God has bestowed upon you. You are a blessed person!  The good things in your life far outweigh the discouragement you are feeling...if you will take time to dwell on the good things. 

A big part of the fruit from your ministry will be seen later in your life.

The kids you are investing in will grow up and many of them will serve Jesus because of the investment you made in their life. But you won't see a lot of it until later.  Years later.  Even decades later.  Stay faithful. Stay committed. Keep going. Your labor is not in vain.  Here is a very personal story that I pray will encourage you today in these matters. You can see an example of how fruit unfolded decades later.

Spend time with Jesus on a daily basis.

Your relationship with Jesus is what will sustain you through the times of discouragement.  In His presence is fullness of joy. When you feel the most discouraged, immerse yourself in His love and He will walk with you through the darkest valleys.  

I love this old hymn.

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see? 

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there;

O’er us sin no more hath dominion

For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you, He promised;

Believe Him and all will be well;

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Did you know this was inspired by a missionary named Lilias Trotter? A tragedy struck that would have a life-altering effect. She was diagnosed with an affliction that would result in blindness. Her husband, unable to cope with that reality, abandoned the marriage, leaving her to cope on her own. What might have been a debilitating experience physically as well as emotionally, only turned her more completely to God and to her most compelling vocation; the composing of hymns from the depths of her heart and life experience. She authored around 500 hymns, lyrics and music, many in circulation to this day. 

Guard your heart.

Proverbs 4:23 tells us to do this.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Your number one job as a Christian leader is to guard your heart. 

Guard your heart against bitterness.

Guard your heart against doubt.

Guard your heart against discouragement.

Guard your heart against anger.

Guard your heart against grudges.

Discouragement originates from the heart. Guard your heart and let it be filled with the peace, love and encouragement that flows from the One who loves you now and forever. I trust this article has been an encouragement to you. If you ever need to talk with someone or need prayer, feel free to contact me. My email is dale@buildingchildrensministry.com.