When It Feels Like Work...

Early this week, as we prayed, we talked about church takes works. Decisions need to be made. Conversations need to be had. Vision needs to be cast. Plans have to implemented. Church operations never rest... as Petra's, song Midnight Oil from the Unseen Power album, starts playing on Pandora. Nice.

However, as one of my best friends pointed out the other day, when your responsibilities to the ministries you are involved in, begin to actually feel like work... it should be a red flag; that perhaps it's time to back off. Keep in mind, this comes from one who has served on the deacon board and continues to serve his congregation in multiple areas of ministry. When it feels, after you've left work, that you now have to go to church because there are things that you are responsible for and expected roles to fulfill; the obligation of which becomes the driving point for your attending rather than to be in the presence of God with the body of Christ...

This is NOT how church is to exist.

There should not be a disdain towards the prospect of our activities on the church campus similar to that which we express at 5am, as we roll out of bed thinking or even speaking, "Man, I really don't want to go to work today."

It's not just deacons or support positions or church staff who may find themselves sharing this sentiment. On this #deaconThursday, pastors encounter this frustration as well. For pastors and staff on church payroll, ministry is their "job" and there can be responsibilities and meetings and decisions for which, the prospect of facing and having to engage in fails to thrill, excite and energize them to participate and resolve.

As many have commented to any number of notices on social media... the struggle is real.

On that note, pray this #deaconThursday, for those such as my friend, in positions where ministry is starting to take it's toll, feeling more like work, than worship and a chore more than service. May God strengthen and under-gird them anew and afresh. Pray for wisdom and direction, should decisions be made regarding their commitments and how to proceed; whether balance is to be restored by backing off responsibilities or re-prioritizing areas of ministry. May the Holy Spirit quicken them and give them peace; for the decisions and struggles they face outside of both work and ministry; for matters that weigh heavy on their hearts and minds. Whatever may be transpiring, may they return to the posture of casting their cares to Christ. Pray rejuvenation and a fresh move of the Spirit in their lives, as God brings about a clarity and focus of who they are and what He has planned for their lives, families as they seek His face and serve to do His Will.

Keeping burnout out at bay
Through the power of prayer.
Effective for His glory
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

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