Nobody wants to wreck their ministry. Nobody.
Everybody wants to be a part of a church (or non-profit) that is flourishing. Everybody that steps into ministry wants to be a part of an organization that helps others grow, and take courageous steps of faith. I’ve never met someone who said, “Gee, I’d sure like to ruin some innocent people’s lives today at my church. Let’s get after it!”
But the truth is that wrecking your ministry, and the ministry of others, is easier than you think. Typically, through a series of poor decisions (or a lack of intentionality), a slippery slope leads you quickly to a rocky, muddy ditch.
The good news, though, is that with intentionality, flourishing in ministry is possible.
How to wreck your ministry
Obvious:
- Have an affair
- Kill someone
- Quit praying
- Develop an illegal addiction
Not so obvious:
- Spend your “best” time serving others, not your family.
- Seek no counsel.
- Stop developing personally.
- Always think you’re right.
- Never support your team mates publicly.
- Neglect your daily leadership duties.
- Never ask for help.
- Read only the Bible.
- Always follow every rule to a ‘t,’ and never offer grace.
- Quit dreaming.
- Don’t join a small group where you can be open and honest.
- Spend 98% of your time in your office.
- Always work with a closed door.
- Never build relationships with people outside of the faith.
- Never go to conferences.
- Go to 25+ conference/year.
- Don’t become friends with any staff member.
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