By Crystal Mazzuca
When we serve in Kids Ministry, we can know that our work is incredibly important and life changing. Every weekend service, every mid-week program, and every event matters to our churches, our communities, and the amazing God we serve. Despite all this, we do not always love what we do. The budget falls short of our plans. We are asked to add more to an already full plate. Leading certain kids is challenging and frustrating. And there just aren’t enough volunteers.
So what can we do when we are struggling to love ministry?
Be Honest
As ministry leaders, we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to lead with a constantly joyful and positive disposition. Sometimes, we may even feel unfaithful to God and our ministry when we don’t feel joyful.
But the truth is that we all struggle in our leadership sometimes. And it is important that we are honest with ourselves and honest with God. When our love for ministry seems small and evasive, the first step is to stop and recognize the truth about what we are experiencing.
We can admit when ministry is hard, confessing our frustrations and disappointments. Take time to pray, journal, cry, yell, and simply be real before God. Taking time to identify why we feel the way we feel is an important start when we struggle to love ministry.
Be Connected
We don’t need to struggle alone. All of us can find trusted mentors, friends, and counselors to share our struggles with. But we don’t just stop at talking about struggles—we can receive wise counsel and trusted advice.
We can enjoy Bible verses that mentors and friends share with us. We can humbly pray about any guidance or direction they offer. We can ask for accountability. It is also helpful to recognize when we need help—and to ask for it! Whether it is delegating tasks or handing over leadership opportunities, we can connect with others who can help us.
Be Filled Up
Sometimes struggling to love ministry is simply a sign that we need to be filled up spiritually and emotionally. Regular rest time with God is so important when we are consistently pouring out to others. Reading our Bibles, attending church services, and spending time in Christian community fills us up when we are running dry. Sometimes we just need to take a walk and talk with God, write out some favorite Bible verses, or simply remind ourselves why we serve in the first place.
It is important to note that sometimes struggling to love ministry may be a sign to evaluate if God is calling us to something else. If that is you, check out this blog post from Lifeway NextGen Director, Chuck Peters.
Being honest, connected, and filled up helps us when we are struggling to love ministry. Be encouraged to know that you are loved by the God who is working through you and that you are not in this alone.
Sowing the Seeds of Faith
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