Discouragement is part of the story of ministry. There have been numerous times where I have felt the sting of disappointment, the pain of not seeing goals become a reality, and the frustration of men not responding the way I envisioned they would or should.
If you are a leader in ministry, you will face seasons of discouragement. In those moments, you may feel isolated – like it’s you against the world. You may feel angry and betrayed by others. Or you may want to just throw your hands in the air and give up.
For me, there have been some helpful ways to help me pull out of the discouragement.
1. Tell somebody
If you keep the discouragement inside of you, it can slowly eat away at you, make you tired, and even consume you. When you talk to someone, tell them that you are discouraged and explain why. Sometimes, it’s just good to get things like this off our chest.
2. Examine why you are discouraged
Many times, our discouragement comes from our own expectations that have not been met. Maybe another member of your team has not lived up to their responsibilities. Maybe you didn’t get the numbers you wanted to get out for a certain event. Seriously ask yourself the question whether any of those things are truly worth being discouraged about.
I remember a story of a friend who was invited to speak at an event at a church, and only ONE man showed up! He was so discouraged but decided to engage in conversation with that one man. By the time they were done, this one man put his faith in Jesus Christ. You see, what’s important to you and what’s important to God may be two very different things.
3. Remember why you do what you do
I believe that the work you do as a leader in ministry to men may be the most important ministry work in the church today.
I believe that the work you do as a leader in ministry to men may be the most important ministry work in the church today.
Here’s why I say that: Because your ministry is the only ministry that has the potential to influence every person in the entire church and community. Always remember the statistics – when men are following Jesus first, there is a higher chance the entire family will also follow Jesus.
Helping men to get spiritually healthy and strong can set the foundation to change everything else in our homes, churches, and communities. As we like to say – when men are walking with Jesus, everyone wins. This is why you do what you do – to glorify God by helping men fully walk in God’s design for their lives. It’s a battle, and battles have never been easy. It requires courage and perseverance. Look to Jesus, and ask him to help you fight through your discouragement.
4. Claim the promises of God for your life as a leader
Galatians 6:9 says this, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
If you are facing discouragement as a leader today, I want you to know that you are not alone. Many others are facing similar discouragements. But more importantly, you are not alone because God has not abandoned you. Take some of these steps we have talked about, and look to him – let him be the lifter of your soul and renew your vision for the men around you.
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