Check out Part 1: Overcoming Stress in Ministry Part 1

Practice to Have a Ready Mind

1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 

• Remind yourself of why you are doing ministry.

Ministry is not merely a career. It is not merely a duty that we feel compelled to do. Rather ministry is done to glorify God and advance His kingdom. Therefore, we do it willingly out of love for God. 

God has called you to serve Him. Remind yourself of God’s calling and purpose for your life. Keep it at the forefront of your mind so that you maintain readiness in doing God’s work.

• Test and Readjust Motives

Examine the motives of your heart when you are doing ministry. Eradicate every wrong motive through repentance, and application of the Word of God. We do not do ministry for money or fame, but to glorify God.

• Feed, not Eat; Watch, not Rest

Have a servant’s mindset. Ministers are not called to sit and be fed, but to feed others. We are not the ones who rest, while others stay up to watch for our protection; rather, we are the watchmen.

Be Exemplary, Not Positional

I Peter 5:3-4 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Ministry workers must endeavor to be examples in everything that they do. In afflictions, persecutions, accusations, slanders, abandonment, dishonor, and the daily cares of the ministry, ministry workers and leaders should be exemplary in their character. 

A positional attitude can lead one to think that they deserve certain things, taking the focus away from being an example and, instead, demanding certain things. But our focus should be to serve, not to be served, to comfort, not to be comforted. Our focus should be to remain faithful, not to demand the loyalty of others to our ministries. When we focus on doing ministry by example, then we will demonstrate a Christ-like attitude in everything that we do, and the things that we face.