There is an ebb and flow to ministry life. We can quickly go from weeks that are jam-packed with meetings and multiple events, to the regular rhythm of planning and preparing for weekend services. And while the pace of ministry can sometimes be unpredictable, the presence of people is not. Our team, our volunteers, our family, our friends — they are with us through thick and thin. How we react and respond to the people around us during the extraordinary seasons of ministry, says a lot about our leadership. One thing is sure:
We are in constant need of God’s grace.
There is so much joy that comes with leading others. But sometimes the leadership seat can be challenging and lonely. Remaining mindful of who we are in the light of God’s grace gives so much courage and direction when it comes to leading those around us. Here are five quick reminders of how God gently guides us with His kindness and grace:
- When you don’t have the strength. God fills in the gaps.
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
- When you make a mistake. God keeps no record of wrongs.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12
- When you are under pressure. God is present.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16
- When things don’t go as you planned. God is in control.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. Psalm 145:13
- When we need more grace than what we already have. God heaps it on.
For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16
When we lead from a place that’s dependent on God’s grace, we accept that we can’t do it on our own. When we recognize that His grace is generous to overflowing, even when we make mistakes, we can easily extend that same grace to those around us. When we run to Him with our every need, we acknowledge His constant presence in our lives. When we accept that He reigns over all that is, and was, and will be — we can look at our plans with an eternal perspective. When we finally grasp that God gives us the grace we need and then heaps on a little more — it will exponentially expand our capacity to lead well through anything that comes our way.
-- Stefanie Cassetto
