Ministry Hijacks and Terrible Takeovers

IMG_20170819_142055_706

Have you ever spent years pouring your blood and guts into a ministry, only to see it morph into a monstrosity you want nothing to do with? 

Maybe the morphing happened when you turned over leadership or moved away or just stepped away, but the whole thing went horribly wrong; flipped upside down. You’re left feeling demoralized and traumatized and scared to death that all that blood and guts and hopes and dreams might have been for nothing!  The ministry you once cherished and held in such high regard, you now don’t even want your name associated with.  Ugh! That ache is heavy and real!

I know exactly how it feels.  I bet most of us know exactly how that feels.

Here are some truths that are helping me process ministry hijacks and terrible take-overs. Maybe they’ll minister to you too.

  • There is no way anything done for the love of Christ and the glory of God will ever be in vain. All the giving up and the pouring out, the prayers and tears deeply matter to the One who matters most and really, that’s all that matters! 
  • The only lasting impact we can make is what we make in the lives of the people we touch. Real difference made in real people can’t be changed or taken away, period. Not by revised policies or cutting-edge programs or flashy self-serving leaders or even a snazzy new name painted on a steeple. Heaven could care less about all that. Heaven sees the heart alone. 
  • Long-term ministry impact can never ever be measured by buildings or programs or best-laid plans, no matter how impressive they appear.
  • We are given a short blink of time and space to leave our mark; to make a difference.  This momentary life is all anybody ever gets and those moments in time are the only thing we’ll give an account for. We are not held responsible for what happens after us…. what we no longer lead or directly influence.
  • When the UN-blessed happens, it can become a blessing in disguise. A sober reminder that nothing on this earth is permanent and the only Legacy worth leaving is only what can be traced to the Spirit moving in and through our clay pots.

God help us see with Spirit eyes so Ministry Hijacks and Terrible Take Overs will not traumatize or demoralize or derail us.

“… so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.” 2 Cor. 5:12

” So dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always enthusiastic for the work of the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever in vain.”  I Cor. 15:58