The Journey: Practical Advice for Beginning and Sustaining Your Ministry in the Local Church

The journey of ministry is one full of questions. Some seem pretty simple and straightforward while others feel like a mountain to climb. Whether you are looking for the trailhead or just the next trail marker, the journey of ministry is not meant to happen alone. Where do you go to find the answers to questions such as “What is my next step? Should I turn left, or right? Am I even on the right road?” Ministry is full of moments like this. The possibilities seem endless yet confined in the same moment. But even with all the questions, ministry is perhaps the most exciting and challenging opportunity this side of heaven. What could be better than following God’s call, serving and equipping God’s people, and reaching the world around us for Him? Or, what could be more difficult than following God’s call, serving and equipping God’s people, and reaching the world around us for Him? Same question, different perspective. 

Yes, ministry can be difficult—it comes with the territory. In fact, ministry brings leaders to the front lines to confront difficult situations in the lives of those we serve—illness, death, divorce, separation, family struggles, theological inquiries, financial pressures, cultural questions, lifestyle choices, and all kinds of life issues in general. Life can be difficult, and people come to the church, to us, to find answers and be reminded of who they are in Christ.

While there is no magic formula for effective ministry, our calling, preparation, discernment, dedication, and commitment are vitally important elements. In addition to spiritual preparation, there are myriads of everyday practices that one might follow to sustain effective ministry. Perhaps we do best when we strive to answer the question, “How are we good stewards of the gift God has given us?”

We hope to walk alongside you, feel your heart, and share our hearts with you. We share these thoughts because someone walked along with us and shared their hearts, and we hope to do the same.

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