I often feel intimidated or overwhelmed stepping into my role at church as the events manager. It isn’t usually that I’m nervous to be there. I love my church, its people, and the ministry I get to do. However, I struggle to go from a household of four family members to hallways full of people and expectant volunteers waiting for my instructions. My heart can be a little surly during this transition if I don’t prepare well for engaging with others.
Maybe you can relate to the difficulty in transitioning from home to work or ministry. I have found that this shift from home to ministry always goes better if I prepare my heart and mind beforehand. Years ago, I created a personal “preparation prayer guide for ministry” which I pray through as I get ready or as I drive to church. I spend the time praying through three sections: self-examination, reminders, and petitions.
Self-Examination
As I begin, I find it helpful to assess how I’m showing up that day. Am I anxious or worried? Is my heart prideful? Am I distracted? Am I discouraged or apathetic? Whatever the issue, I pray remembering that Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
As I anticipate the event or pressures of ministry ahead, I begin by reflecting on who I am in light of Christ. I often pray portions of Psalm 51 and resonate with the weight of David’s words: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions . . . For I know my transgressions” (Ps. 51:1, 3a). I use this time to remember that my sin sent Jesus to the cross. I could not do ministry without God’s mercy and grace. I ask that God would “create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).
As I enter tricky conversations and encounter sinners just like me, it’s tempting to forget my own need for Christ. This intentional step of reflecting on Christ’s work on the cross and my shortcomings gives me needed perspective as I enter ministry. This keeps my own neediness in front of me, no matter what challenges I face.
Ministry of Absorption
In addition to self-reflection, I remember that I am in the ministry of absorption. In Romans 15, Paul explains that “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me’” (Rom. 15:1-3).
Paul is saying that just as Christ was willing to take on the reproaches of others, Christians should be willing to absorb the scorn of others so that we “live in such harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus” that we may glorify God (Rom.15:5). So, when I hear a critique about some aspect of our church or someone disparages me, I remember how Christ was reviled and did not revile in return. I remember that it is not my job to be the Holy Spirit for others. I remember that there are many ways where my church and I can grow. It allows me to listen humbly for constructive feedback while also absorbing insults or critiques without responding poorly.
Petitions
Once I have had time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and my responsibility, I spend time praying for wisdom, intentionality, and God’s glory. I know I could not do my job without God’s guidance. So, I pray that the Lord establishes my steps (Prov. 16:9) and grants me wisdom as I make decisions.
I also pray that I prioritize people over tasks. I am extremely task-driven. As a result, I can fail to see the person behind the task, or I prioritize tasks getting accomplished over the people accomplishing the tasks. My task-driven nature can tempt me to focus too much on earthly markers of success rather than God’s glory and his work. So, I pray that I appropriately balance connecting with others while completing the task at hand.
I am reminded that while I plan my way, the Lord establishes my steps (Prov. 16:9). It is not us but God who gets the glory (Ps. 115:1).
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36).
So, if you are at all like me and struggle with the transition from home to work or ministry, I hope you’ll join me in taking time to reset before you enter the building.
