Are you weary serving in ministry?
Ministry burnout is a common complaint throughout the Body of Christ. Although serving in the ministry is a good thing, many find themselves stretched too thin.
But, are we really stretched too thin, or are we just weary? Perhaps a better question would be; are we weary from serving or are we simply weary from life?
The Root of Growing Weary
When we’re stretched thin in every area of our life, the first thing we do is stop serving. We have too much going on and we need balance in our life.
Well, the fact may be that we’re doing too much, but the truth is, we are all called to serve. While keeping that in mind, let’s ask ourselves; should serving really be the first thing we stop doing?
Is it possible that the things that are out of order in our personal lives, is being carried over in ministry?
What we have found is that when frustration is present, it’s usually a sign that our priorities are out of order. Think of it this way, when things are not right at home, what’s your demeanor like when you show up at church or work for that matter?
Remember God’s priorities are: God, Spouse, Family, Ministry and Work. And your first ministry begins at home. Therefore, if your home is in disarray, it’s not time to quit serving, it’s time to get to the root of the disarray at home.
In fact, having things in order at home is only one part, knowing where you should be serving is another.
Serve Where You Are Gifted
Sometimes frustration occurs while serving, because we’re serving where we don’t have the grace, or the gifts for those ministries.
Serving the Kingdom of God is not about keeping up with the Jones’s. It’s about finding your place in ministry where your spiritual gifts match the needs of your church.
For example, Andre would love to play the guitar and Timberley would love to sing on the worship team. However, overtime, we could become extremely frustrated with how we sound. That’s because Lord knows, those are not our gifts.
Our spiritual gift is to shepard people. And we find great joy in not just teaching people, but walking with them through the high’s and low’s of life.
If you’re frustrated in ministry, ask yourself: are you serving where you're gifted? Click To Tweet
Please don’t misunderstand, there are seasons when we have to serve in places where there is a need. And in those times, if it is for you, the grace will be on you to do it!
We must however, resist the temptation to volunteer to serve in everything we feel gifted in. We may be called to serve, but that doesn’t mean we have to serve everywhere. Proverbs 11 reminds us to keep a balance in everything we do.
“A false balance and unrighteous dealings are extremely offensive and shamefully sinful to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.”
~ Proverbs 11:1 (AMPC)
What happens when we’re serving where we know we’re called; but find ourselves growing weary?
Well, this is when we labor to serve with joy knowing God will reward us!
Serve Knowing Your Reward
Serving with an assurance that God will reward us, didn’t hit home until when we read a devotion in our War Room.
We keep Sparking Gems from the Greek by Rick Renner, in our war room. It’s a 365-day devotional with explanations of Greek words. On February 10th we read; “God Will Make Sure You Get Rewarded for Your Work of Faith.”
This particular devotion was about how God rewards those who are faithful to the assignments He gives them.
Like many; there are times we feel weary. Not because we don’t want to serve or feel stretched in serving; but because we don’t see the results, we want.
However, when we read Hebrews 6:10 in the Amplified translation, it resonated so much with our Spirit that we wrote it down and hung it up in our War Room. We wanted to keep it before our eyes so that we would remind ourselves not to grow weary in serving.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do.” ~Hebrews 6:10 (AMPC)
WOW! What a promise from God that we can hold onto. Especially during times of doubt regarding our purpose, and in our serving while waiting for a harvest.
Serving Confession
The reason we love the Sparkling Gems devotional is because it not only explains scriptures with an understanding of Greek words; it also provides a confession and a prayer to go along with each devotion.
This entire devotion opened our eyes, and our heart to a deeper understanding of God’s awareness; of the time we have invested to serve His Kingdom. And we felt led to personalize the confession and prayer, especially for us. That way, we can see it, speak it and meditate on it, to strengthen our spirits when we begin to grow weary.
Our God is mindful of: the time, love, patience and money, we have invested in others. Hebrews 6: 10 tells us that our God will never overlook what we have done. So as we invest time and money sacrificially we have peace knowing without a shadow of doubt, that our God will reward us. Therefore, we refuse to grow weary or tired, nor give into discouragement. Giving up is not an option, as we will keep pressing forward with joy to do what God has called us to do, until He says we have completed our assignment.
We don’t know about you; but we find this confession to be extremely encouraging when we are feeling weary while serving.
In The End
Finding the balance to serve whether it’s through your church, your blog or community service, will take some time. But when we remember that our God does not overlook our labor, it will change our perspective in serving.
PS…If you aren’t familiar with understanding why God’s priorities are in their respective, we would encourage you to read: Embracing God’s Priorities. You can download the eBook free by clicking here, or you can purchase a hard copy or kindle version by clicking the links below.
~ André and Timberley Gray
Loving this post. I was drawn to it’s title and wanted to drop by and let you know I appreciate you writing about this topic. I love how you said it is probably when we get our priorities wrong elsewhere and it trickles. I have served for years in a church (where ever I went) but mainly my home church.
I found that letting go of “control” and knowing God wants our whole hearts rather than perfect, really helps when serving.
I have saw him move in mighty ways — just by being willing — but at times things were so simple and nonextravagant (ministry wise/supplies etc).
I also think there’s a special grace he gives for seasons in our lives. We are going through some tough things at home right now and though I still serve outside of home, he spoke to my heart about shifting focus and be okay with what I do have to offer instead of feeling guilty for not being able to do it all.
Meghan I so agree with you regarding the special grace God gives us in seasons. Which is why it’s so important that we serve as He directs so that when a grace for that season has been lifted we know when to step back. Praise God that you heard His voice when He nudged you to shift your focus. Thank you for stopping by to read. ~ BLessings
I have to admit, this convicted me. I have served for years and years and just recently stopped as this season of life I’m in is hard. My health is unpredictable and some days are just rough. Perhaps once the next season comes along I’ll be called to serve again.
Oh Amy I am so sorry to hear about your health challenges. We can totally relate, and there is a season where we need to focus on be healthy so we can serve. So find peace in knowing that taking care of your temple is serving sweet sister. Thank you for stopping by to read. ~ Blessings
Growing weary serving in ministry is something many in the congregation probably don’t think about, so it’s good you’ve shared this post. Gauging from my past experience, until I got to know our pastor’s wife who became my spiritual mentor, I had no clue the battle they faced on a regular basis and how lonely it could be. Good word, my friends, and great resource suggestions.
Yes it is lonely at times, your mentor is blessed to have you to encourage and support when she needs it too. ~ Blessings
I love that resource too! And you are right, home is where our first and most important ministry is. And if we are weary there it sure does carry over to other areas of life. Great post Timberley!
Thank you Nicki!
Fresh insight on serving and burnout. We see this so many times in ministry. As a pastor’s wife and someone in ministry myself, I know how burnout happens all too well. Especially love your thoughts on finding the root of ministry weariness. Like keeping our priorities in check, serving where we are called and gifted, and knowing the Lord rewards us. I like to look at the life of Jesus in how He was about His Father’s business instead of the busyness of life that so often clutters our schedule. Even the church and ministry can become about busyness over the Father’s business…what He’s specifically called each of us to do.
Oh Karen I love that, the church can become about busyness over the Father’s business. That literally gave me chills. Thank you for stopping by to read. ~ Blessings