My Biggest Ministry Fail

It’s been a long time since I began my pastoral ministry. A lot has happened since then. I have more creases on my face and less hair on my head. Still, though, I remember my biggest mistake of those days. 

Here it is: I lived my life and led my church alone

I was not yet married, so living alone was natural. That’s not what I mean, though. What I mean is that I tried to walk with Christ without the help of others. 

  • I battled temptation without telling anyone. 
  • I made decisions affecting the church without seeking wisdom from anyone. 
  • I preached the Word without asking anyone to evaluate my sermons. 
  • I bore the burdens of ministry without sharing them with another believer. 
  • I struggled with loneliness but turned to no one to help. 
  • I prayed for others but seldom asked others to pray for me.
  • I loved the Lord (or so I said), but did not appreciate His church. 
  • And, I developed ulcers before I told anyone I was stressed. 

I could go on and on, but I trust you get the point. I started ministry operating in my own strength, daily led in my own ability, and almost lost my health on my own. It would be many years, actually, before I began to realize how much I needed others. My failure to recognize the beauty of believers serving together cost me much in those early years. 

Today, I trust I’m more aware of this tendency and fight against it – but I’d be lying if I said I never fail. Daily I must remember the necessity and privilege of walking with others on this journey. Every day I must recognize my need for brothers and sisters who stand with me. 

How about you?

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This article originally appeared on ChuckLawless.com and is reposted here with permission.

Chuck Lawless
Chuck Lawlesshttp://ChuckLawless.com

Chuck Lawless is dean and vice president of graduate studies and ministry centers at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and global theological education consultant for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

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