I entered my first ministry in May 2023. I still vividly remember the emotions I felt when I received the text from my ministry leader that she’s finally got a project for me to work on – My FIRST project!
This year, I had the privilege to serve in my ministry’s largest annual event, even more in an area I am passionate about – creative arts. It is not as easy as I thought, though. I had my ups and downs as months passed. Some days were difficult, and some days I had my highest peaks too. Needless to say, one thing never changed – despite the struggles, I am still filled with as much passion as I was when I first entered my ministry.
The past year in ministry has taught me lessons that become daily reminders of the mindsets I should adopt each time I serve. I learned these lessons in times of disappointment, lack of confidence, and even while serving.
I believe these lessons not just apply to ministry, but to our daily lives as well. No matter where we are and what we’re doing, I believe these lessons apply.
So, in no particular order, here are five lessons I’ve learned (and more to come):
5 Lessons From One Year in Ministry
- People will hurt you and not appreciate your sacrifice. Guard your heart. It’s easy to feel invalidated and unappreciated when we don’t receive the recognition. But I learned to constantly remind myself that it is God I am and should be serving, and He sees me.
- Give your best in everything you do. No matter how small or insignificant your task may be, give your 100%, because more will come after. God will provide.
- Be yourself. Otherwise, you’ll burn out. God made you who you are and to minister to others in a way only you can.
- Your relationship with God is the most important thing. You’re a child of God before you’re a minister, a boss, a parent, a mentor, you name it. You cannot give others what you don’t have. Everything flows from your relationship with God. Everything.
- Ministry may be harder than you think. I used to think that ministry was just exciting and joyful. It is, in the context where you can do what you enjoy, teach and share with others about the love of God, and reach the community. But it is also not – ministry is full of sleepless nights, hard conversations, and deep valleys. Serving God is often romanticized, but Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Ministry is not all sunshine and rainbows, but no matter what we go through, it will all be worth it for Jesus.
You May Also Enjoy:
- 10 Comforting Bible Verses For When You Feel Anxious
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- 10 Encouraging Quotes About Stepping Into a New Season
Many more lessons will come. So that’s five lessons for now. I wonder what the next years in ministry will teach me. I would love to hear your perspective. What are some of the things that keep you moving forward in ministry?
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