Struggles of ministry (part 2)

Struggles of Ministry (Part 2)
Ok so it has been a while since I updated but here is my second part. Hope it helps to see into the pastor's heart in regards to ministry.

6) Ministry happens with volunteers.
To make ministry happen effectively for God’s kingdom…hold that thought for one moment. As I talk about God here, it can be at times as though He is just a thought or philosophical person we talk about. God is a real person who lives inside of us through the person of the Holy Spirit and not just a thought that we mention in passing. OK…that is important when understanding that ministry for God’s kingdom happens effectively through volunteers. It is impossible for strong ministry to be done by just the pastoral staff, it takes a community of believers to make it happen affectively.

7) There tends to be opposition regardless of how the ministry is going
One thing that I have learned while in ministry is that even though things might be going well, there tends to be those out who see it differently. I am not sure if these people are intentional about what they “talking” to me about but I want to take their word at face value. As a pastor, I want to hear what others are saying but on the other side, some people need to filter some of their own thoughts at times.

8) You have to count on your team to get things done
Even though you want and believe that your team can and will get things done, often times it just doesn’t happen. Even thought a vision might look great, you have the best job descriptions out there, and can help your leaders along the way, some people just do not lead. In our ministry, I have to count on 14 small group leaders, my core team of six leaders for our young adult ministry, my prayer team, and a number of other leaders to make ministry happen effectively. When any of these areas fail (including me), it affects the entire ministry. I love my leaders that I have and they are more helpful then I can tell you. Without them, I could not do the ministry that God has given me. However, when a leader is not sold out to a ministry or committed to doing what they say they are going to do, it not only affects me, but many, many others around us. As my friend Nathan says, “You have to count on your team, but it can come at a cost.”

9) You always need more leaders for ministry
This is one of those struggles that have been around as long as the church has been around. As ministry grows, you always need leaders but when a ministry is not flowing it can be the lack of leaders as well. We have a few small groups here at our church that really need to multiply but trying to find people to lead them is hard. I am always praying, asking and seeking for more leaders but many just do not feel that they have the time to do it, or they feel inadequate (but they feel adequate to tell me when things are wrong J). If after awhile leaders are not found to serve in ministry positions, it affects the entire church and the people who are looking for a place to connect with God and connect with other people. An example for us right now is outreach. We do not have anyone who is willing to step up and lead in this area and it has affected that area of ministry. One of the things I hear is that our church is not doing enough outreach, what if instead of telling our staff that, these people got together and started a core team for outreach? Leaders are hard to come by, but boy do we have some great ones. You need them to have effective ministries.

10) Not being able to concentrate on a particular ministry
Now, please do not read this as whining. Ministry is what it is but here is a thought. As a connections pastor, I have responsibilities in a variety of areas, which is good to be doing different ministries. However, the down side of this is spreading your time among each of them. Here is an example: Many of our small groups meet on Sunday evenings or afternoons, and I want to be able to visit each one of these. But because we have pastor’s brunch, discipleship classes, families wanting to go out to eat, then our young adult ministry that meets on Sunday nights, my Sunday’s are pretty much taken up therefore making it to those small groups is almost impossible. Too be able to focus on one area of ministry is a dream but as long as my leaders are willing to be committed having different areas to focus on will not be so bad.

Please let me know what you are thinking. Again, there are many who like to read but not respond, what do you agree with or disagree with. Ways to improve?