Every so often, someone will ask me the following question. "Pastor, do you enjoy your work?" Now that is a no win question if answered honestly. Since this is my blog, let me answer it candidly. Yes, my work can be extremely enjoyable at times. No, there are times my frustration comes perilously close to anger or depression. See there, it is a question that defies rational explanation. Perhaps this is true because this job is beyond explanation. Many times my response is conditioned by the ongoing currents of ministry. Catch me on a day when the winds are mild and the response will be positive in tone. Find me on a day when the squalls are blowing all around and be prepared for more raw honesty than you wished.



This is not my story alone. Question any minister and my gut feeling is the responses would be similar to mine. Ministry begins in that unique moment of God's call. In those early days the world is full of promise. Most of us in ministry live through the times when our view is how lucky God is that He called us! It only takes a few sermons that bomb to rid us of such a grand view of ourselves. It takes time to realize the call to ministry isn't about us, but it's about God. The moment that reality hits will alter the way we view what we do. There arises a problem in that discovery. Ministry is often with people who are about themselves and not God.



Ever wonder how much Jesus dealt with that idea? God comes in the flesh to pour Himself out and people miss that. It does help the frustration when you remember our Lord Himself was not immune to human frailty. Certainly there were those whose motives were not nearly as tainted by selfishness as some. But notice Jesus tends to respond to the selfish as well as to the gracious. His ministry is not driven by the actions of a few but by the awesome love of God He displays to others. Herein lies one of the "secrets" of authentic ministry. Sometimes we have to be mature enough to give to others not on the basis of what they deserve but of what God would have us do. It never is easy but it is the eternal method of grace.



The answer to enjoying ministry will always be yes and no. There are always going to be those who are difficult at best. Other adjectives come to my mind but the blog is meant to keep a safe rating! Some of my best friends are coaches. We share many similar traits. We even on occasion use the same language. It is just that my adjectives are there adverbs and vice versa! In all seriousness, the ministry will have its ups and downs as long as people are involved. This is just part of the evil equation of our current state in the world. The only hope is to tie the ministry to God's purpose and not let go. So there is no one answer to the earlier question to be found here. The only way to thrive is to never let go of the God who never lets go of us.

Bro. Trey