I felt like the “before” picture for effective ministry. You know, like the ones that demonstrate a spectacular new diet by showing how bad the person looked before. As a speaker described all that was wrong with the typical church—declining attendance, limited evangelism results, no visible spiritual growth—I realized he was describing my church.
I love the ministry, but after eleven years, not everything has turned out the way I imagined. When I dwell on these thoughts, it eats away at my appreciation for the good things God is doing.
I left the meeting determined to change my attitude. I’ve made several critical attitude adjustments:
1. I remember my call.
Our church has a pastor emeritus who served here more than 36 years. In retirement he has preached and served as interim pastor in almost every church in our community. He has finally slowed down now as he approaches 90. When I visit this godly man, he invariably asks, “Pastor, can I tell you about my call?”
The conversation brings me back to my own call. As a college student, I was teaching a new Sunday school class when I realized helping people grow closer to Christ was what I was supposed to do for the rest of my life. It is a call that continues regardless the circumstances.
2. I marvel at God’s grace.
It is part of the sacred that breaks into our world. Grace is like diamonds; even the smallest speck is more than enough to take your breath away. Not only have I experienced grace, but as pastor I see it sparkle in the lives of others.
Not long ago, I was having one of those tough days. In the morning a staff member resigned, and by afternoon I was hearing rumblings that a number of families would be leaving the church. On my way to see one of those families, I stopped for a quick haircut. I was preoccupied at first, but my conversation with my “stylist” came easy and turned to spiritual matters. My “stylist” came to Christ! The family did leave the church, but what I remember most from that day is the joy of seeing grace again from the front row.
3. I stay on task.
One of the clearest signs that I have gotten discouraged is “desk fever,” when I spend significant stretches of the day shuffling paper and straightening files. Not much gets done, because there is nothing I am trying to get done.
The most effective way to break through the doldrums is to get to work. Whether I go make some visits, lay the groundwork for a sermon series, or plan the next strategic event for the church, simply getting to work invigorates me. There is always something of significance that can be done to extend the Kingdom.
4. I stay enthused about this place.
This is my biggest challenge. About 98 percent of the time, I love my church. I have never felt so called to a place. Even so, I can find myself thinking about “another place”— sometimes real, sometimes imaginary—with a great staff and growth potential. But I am reminded of the apostle Paul who always seemed excited about where he was. Even when the doors to the Philippian jail flew open, he stayed there because he recognized God’s work in that place!
When I get that roving eye, I come to church and imagine it is my first Sunday here. I pay attention to each person as if meeting them for the first time. I look around with the hope and expectation of a brand new pastor. When I add to that enthusiasm all that I have learned about my people over the years, I recognize afresh that God is at work in this place.
I like the bumper sticker that says, “Three best things about being a teacher…June, July, August” but it misses the point of teaching. Empty classrooms may be more manageable, but you can’t teach in them. So too ministry, apart from my people, is not true ministry. I have to remember that if my people were perfect, they would not need a pastor.
When I minister with the right mindset, it is satisfying no matter the immediate results. Our church is not the “after” picture of effective ministry, but we’re not the “before” picture either. I minister in the “during” stage. That’s where God is working.
Tim MoffettImmanuel Baptist ChurchPanama City, Florida
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