on ministry

Sometimes I wonder if there’s something wrong with me.

Being a pastor is the most frustrating, challenging and draining thing I’ve ever done. Yet, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

What’s wrong with me?

Today has been especially taxing: I have a splitting headache and everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Even though I’m supposed to be studying for a sermon, I’ve had a flurry of phone calls from people wanting all kinds of things from me.

I have absolutely, positively nothing else to give today. And I’m about to lose my mind. Yet, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

What’s wrong with me?

After all, I’ve had some really good jobs and have worked at some really cool places. In fact, I made a list of all the places I’ve ever worked, from the age of 16 until now:

·         medical school

·         restaurant

·         car dealer

·         auto detail shop

·         florist

·         gas station

·         advertising agency

·         professional soccer team

·         botanical garden

·         sports auditorium and opera house

·         hospital

Did I have some rotten bosses at those jobs? Yep. And were there unreasonable expectations from time-to-time? You bet. And were there times of frustration and stress? Absolutely.

And yet, there were some positively exhilarating moments. For instance, delivering flowers to people was an incredible blessing—I loved being the bearer of good news.  And coordinating the introduction of professional soccer players with 18,000 people in the stands and a live television audience watching never got old.

It was also a blast wining and dining media big shots and then driving them around breath-taking gardens as if they were my own. Being backstage for professional orchestra performances and ballets was a wonderful treat as well. And then there was the thrill of meeting people from all over the world and seeing their lives changed by some eye-popping medical care.

To be sure, I’ve done some really cool things and worked at some very interesting places.

So why would I choose ministry over any of those other things? What is wrong with me?

It all boils down to three things. And you know what? After the day I’ve had I need this reminder.

1.      I believe this is what God has called and equipped me to do.

2.      I can’t think of anything more important than what I’m doing.

3.      Ministry is the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done or could do.

So there you have it: Despite one of the most frustrating, challenging and draining days I’ve ever had, ministry is still my number one choice.

Is there something wrong with me? Absolutely. Do you have a couple of hours? But when it comes to ministry, well, here I am and here I’ll stay.

I know what I said earlier, but the fact is ministry is a blessing not a burden. And I’m deeply grateful for the privilege and responsibility that my heavenly Father has given me.

“Praise be to the God and Father of (my) Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed (me) in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.1

1  Ephesians 1:3