Overcoming Stress in Ministry
God has called us to a joyful and glorious service in ministry to the saints and the world. However, in the ministry we can experience persecution, accusations, slander, betrayal, and daily concerns when doing ministry. Stress means emotional, mental and physical strains and tensions from a circumstance. Those involved in regular Christian ministry can experience emotional, mental and even physical stress from the things they face and bear in doing ministry. God has not endeavored for us to do ministry without having the means for us to overcome the strain or the stress that we may face while doing it. The best example of look to is Jesus.
Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Despite the attacks against Jesus as he accomplished his ministry and purpose on the earth, he endured. Though he felt the physical, mental and emotional agony he never gave up or give in. He triumphed. We can also look at his example and the example of others in scripture to see how we can overcome the stress in ministry.
Withdraw to Prayer
Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Verse 15 of this passage tells us the fame of Jesus was speaking throughout the land, and that large crowds were coming to hear him, and be healed by him. Jesus did not allow this massive popularity to drown him, instead, he often withdrew to pray. Humans were not built to carry the burden of being sought after by many. Only God can meet the need of the multitude. Therefore, when the crowd comes knocking make sure you are frequently at God’s throne for His grace and abundance to be poured out. You cannot manage the needs of the people on your own.
Develop a Core Inner Team
Jesus took his core team of Peter, James, John with him on three recorded occasions:
First Time He Performed a Resurrection (Mark 5:37)
His Transfiguration (Mark 9:2)
His Agony at Gethsemane
Luke 14:33 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;
Not everyone in your company or ministry is ready for new miracles, understanding, and trials of the ministry. Limit new endeavors, revelations, and trials to those who can walk with you through it.
Look at the Fruits
I Thessalonians 3:7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
Reading from 1 Thessalonians 3:6, you see that Paul received testimony from Timothy of the faith of the Thessalonians. This news of their growing faith served as an encouragement to Paul, especially amid persecution and distress. Reflecting on the impact of your ministry will help to overcome the stress and burden one can face in the ministry. Never forget your fruits. Remember and give God thanks for them.
Love the Company of Refreshing People
1 Corinthians 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
Enjoy being around people who are uplifting, refreshing and encouraging. It can be easy in ministry to sit around and talk about all the negative things and problems taking place. Instead, practice being around people who are always giving a positive word, and seeking to bring encouragement in God’s word. It may be someone you see only once per year but they always have an uplifting word.
Raise Up Leaders
Numbers 11:16-17 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. 17And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.
To relieve Moses of some burdens of ministry, God placed the anointing on Moses on seventy elders to help him in leading the people. The apostles had the deacons appointed so they would not need to attend to all the practical matters of the ministry.
Don’t Bind Yourself to People
John 2;24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
While people may love your ministry and the things God uses us to do, remember to trust God and not men. Do not rely on men’s strength, but rely on the Lord. People can betray you, turn against you, and so on. Just because someone loves your ministry today does not mean they will stick to you tomorrow. Follow God. Do not commit yourself or make decisions based on men but based on God. Please God, not men.