Instant gratification. We all want it. I actually just had microwave popcorn. Our culture is feeding our desire for it. We’ve let our microwaved culture seep into the church. I know I’ve let it in my life. I carry my iPhone everywhere. I get my email in my pocket at all times. I’ve let it infiltrate my ministry. I mean, I say all the right things. As a church planter, I say “Being a part of starting a new church takes time.” Yet, in my mind I get frustrated when people don’t show up, when we can’t seem to get our heads above water in some areas that need the bar raised. I get frustrated by my own inabaility to lead through some of these struggles effectively everytime.
We get this idea that ministry is “Chia-church.” You go get the prepared pot with the seed spread and then add water and PRESTO! successful ministry. It takes faith. It takes great amounts of prayer. I know I have been guilty of doing ministry in seasons on my own. Its no wonder its a struggle. I am constantly reminded that I don’t do anything on my own power.
How have you struggled with ministry under your own strength?
Some people are also just assuming that the package said “giant oak” when maybe all it said was “medium-sized bush.”
Great thoughts Stephanie! Thanks for sharing!