5 Reasons You'll Want to Leave But Shouldn't
Is it really time for a ministry change?
Should I stay or should I go? At some point, every ministry leader asks the question, sometimes at weekly intervals. The answer isn't always clear. But whether you're asking it because of the Monday-morning blahs, the post-conference buzz, or the deacon-meeting blues, here are five reasons not to leave your current situation.
1. Conflict.
Whether it's criticism, opposition, or differences in philosophy or personality, as a leader you can expect conflict. It's inevitable wherever two or more sinners are gathered, even in Christ's name. Leaving because of conflict often demonstrates the schoolyard value, "If you don't play the game my way, I'm taking my ball and going home." But you win some battles just by surviving them. Live to fight another day.
2. Slow progress.
Many of us in ministry have been conditioned to believe that more and faster are better. We want maximum impact with minimum resistance. Time is short, we say; the Kingdom is coming. But sometimes the King wants us to slow down and listen. Stuckness may frustrate your grand ministry plans, but it may also be the best thing for your spiritual growth.
3. Frustrations with leadership.
The thought, "If I were in charge, I'd do things differently" is not necessarily a call from God to leave your current situation. You may be right, and your church may be filled with horrible leaders. Perhaps that means you're the good leader they need to help them reach their full potential.
4. Uncertainty or transition.
Some leaders bolt as soon as they feel their organization is in crisis. Whether your church is looking for a new senior pastor, working through a change in philosophy, or facing a budget crunch, sometimes the best move may be to stay put, and to help your community weather the transition.
5. The lure of greener pastures.
A fellow leader once heard me questioning whether I should stay in a particular position. He asked, "Did God call you here?" I answered affirmatively, but his next question was the kicker: "Did God call you away?" I had been so focused on where I felt I wanted to go, I hadn't asked whether God had released me from my current assignment. The minute you look longingly at the fescue on the other side of the fence, you diminish your effectiveness in your current setting—the one God has called you to.
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A couple weeks ago, we talked here about reasons you'll want to leave a ministry position but shouldn't. Today we're publishing a condensed version of an article, excerpted from When It's Time to Leave, that takes the opposite approach: when should yo... [Read More]
Comments
Man, I have so been here! Ministry is by far the most difficult thing I have ever done in my entire life. Called to it, yes I am!
Posted by: Lori Biddle | April 24, 2009 6:29 PM
I am there right now...Wow you must be in my head.
Posted by: Terri | April 25, 2009 5:32 AM
Many times we live through difficult times a preachers and teacher, we know that we are saying exactly what the Lord wants us to say, but we at times experience that the people are not ready to recieve, so we know that love is patient and that we need to get stratagy from the Lord and we have to just carry on with waht the Lord requires from us, because we are called to share in His suffering and then and only then can we share in His glory.
Posted by: Martin van der Merwe | April 29, 2009 6:11 AM
The Lord knew what I needed today. Thank you for sharing this. I still feel low in regards to the ministry I'm in but I know I shall rise again and be stronger and continue the work the Lord has led me to.
Posted by: Beckie Vasquez | April 29, 2009 12:13 PM
Good article. It seems to me that the same reasoning applies to church members who are thinking about moving to another church. Since we are the church, maybe they should stick around and help build up the Body?
Posted by: Jeff Meyer | April 30, 2009 8:00 AM
Excellent thoughts...even better posts! Its one of those times where God tells us to grow where we are planted - but we're not liking the soil conditions He's provided. Thanks
Posted by: SLD | April 30, 2009 3:47 PM
I am in a similar situation and don't know if I should go or stay. My wife is anxious but I would like to know I am doing God's will.Pray for me.
Posted by: R.Scott | April 30, 2009 7:24 PM
I am in the same situation ,,thanks for your teachings, i m now ready to use the second reason
Be bless
Posted by: ERIKA | May 1, 2009 8:18 AM
I needed this sosbering thought because of my current state of affairs.
God bless you!
Posted by: joyce Mutinda | May 2, 2009 4:30 AM
My issue is that I love serving in the capacity that I serve. I'm serving where I'm gifted, and where I have years of experience. The reason I want to quit is because new leadership has been put in place and is treating me as though I don't know what I'm doing. New and unnecessary (in my opinion) demands are being put on me (and the others who serve in this ministry) that are making serving a tremendous burden. God didn't say, "Quit." So I can't, but what can I do?
Posted by: Louise | May 3, 2009 3:55 PM
Louise
Communicate your thoughts to the new leader as clearly & unemotionally as you can. They may not even realise what they are asking and causing you.
Owen
Posted by: Owen | May 4, 2009 5:11 AM
This is a very important piece of information that very few people have the access to.
May our Almighty God Richly Bless your ministry to the fullest.
sipho moyo
Posted by: SIPHO MOYO | May 4, 2009 9:00 AM
Wow! I have felt and am feeling that way now! God sure does know when to hit you between the eyes, doesn't he?! I've been told a few times "welcome to ministry". I can be the most frustrating AND the most rewarding thing ever! Thanks for the article.
Posted by: Regina | May 5, 2009 8:04 AM