In the words of the owner of Natural Air, “There is a black cloud hanging over that church.” When pursuing healthy ministry priorities, the reality that dark forces oppose Christians is nothing new. Throughout Scripture, the Word repeatedly illustrates that a breakdown often precedes a breakthrough. In these seasons of ministry, the mettle of a leader is forged in the fire of trouble. One must ask: Do you deviate from the plan because of the pain, or do you continue to stretch toward the promise God has laid out? Our community has shown time and again that we choose to persevere, empowered by faith and resilience.
On the Sunday before service, I discovered that our Phase 2 compassionate ministry center—which hosts services and feeds those struggling with food insecurity—had significant plumbing issues. It was not the challenge I wanted to face before entering the pulpit, but that is the reality of ministry. I contacted our plumbing company between Sunday school and the main service, and they arrived by 9:00 a.m. the following morning. While the bathrooms were being restored, an electrician began installing new outlets for our future community center. However, a new problem emerged: an A/C unit above the lobby was blowing hot, moist air, causing condensation that stained over a dozen ceiling tiles.
By Tuesday, our water meter cracked, spewing water at the edge of the church property and requiring a plumber to excavate the pipe. Whether caused by a rock or ground vibration, the leak left our building without water for two hours, directly affecting the preschool that rents our facility. Yet, in the midst of this disappointment, hope emerged through the compassionate ministry program. Because their plumbing had been fixed the previous day, they still had water access. Within minutes, we filled containers for the preschool to use during the interim. Finally moving in the right direction, I hoped to finally turn my attention to the upcoming Sunday sermon.
Well, not so fast. The preschool said the A/C was not working. It seemed to be, but I needed a trained eye. I realize now that the HVAC course the local community college provided should have been a course to take. Lesson learned. But I digress. Upstairs, it was 88 degrees, and the system inside and outside was not working. So, another call to the A/C company, and surprise! Two systems down.
Let me pause and share that there are nine A/C units in that building. Two of the three systems that run the left side of the building were down. One was to be replaced two days after this issue, and another needs a condenser. You are probably wondering, what about the 88-degree upstairs unit? At last, it has reached its age limit and has entered A/C heaven. The A/C company is getting the church a quote to replace it. In the meantime, one unit will cool the hot area, and the company is working on getting a part for the second unit. They might put in the third unit a day earlier as it’s in the shop.
So, on a Tuesday afternoon, as I share this, now you know why someone would say, “There is a black cloud hanging over that church.” However, I share this tongue-in-cheek with you to remind you that God is in the blessing business. Isaiah 54:17 says, “‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the LORD.”
Think about it this way: No amount of evil will destroy the mightiness of our God. We serve the risen Savior! Whatever you face as a pastor or ministry leader, you do not face it alone. My circumstance is not unique. Average-sized churches (those with less than 99 people each Sunday) are not alone. It is what leaders face weekly.
Hear my heart; your challenges strengthen you by forcing your abilities and gifts out. Surrender yourself and the church to God. God has not forsaken your local church and ministry. He has given you the tools to “get it done” in a season of distraction from real ministry. Ministry is not about preaching or rehashing a sermon; it is about serving, even as a facilities director at times. Ministry is about giving all you have to the one who gave all he had to save your life.
In weeks when things don’t go as planned, do not give up or get discouraged. Instead, be encouraged that you have a fantastic opportunity to serve others and the Lord.