Monday Mythbuster #9

Welcome back for Ministry Mythbuster #9! Have you caught up on the first nine? Which one has challenged you most? Did you disagree with any of our mythbusters so far? Share in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!

Myth #9: If the church pays us, we are completely at their disposal.

Vocational ministry is anything but a 9-to-5 venture, to be sure. And the blessing of being supported by the Body of Christ so you can fully devote your days to shepherding the flock, winning the lost, and building the Kingdom is a beautiful partnership designed by God Himself. But the idea that the ministerial staff of the local church or ministry are slaves to the Body is counter the model of Jesus’s earthly ministry. Jesus was accessible, dependable, flexible. But He wasn’t a slave to the culture’s needs, nor His disciples’ demands. He led well, served well. But Jesus also pulled away when He needed to recharge. And He did not enable abusive behavior or treatment.

What does this look like for today’s 21st century ministry family when technology makes you seemingly accessible, 24/7? It requires some intentional decisions and accountability—with your spouse, your children, your church board, and fellow ministry colleagues. Make no mistake: emergencies will arise and sometimes ministry will cross the boundaries you’ve set in place. However, this should not be the norm. Not every perceived need from the church body is an emergency. Furthermore, your responsibility as a pastor, teacher, missionary, evangelist, or prophet is to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry. Equip and empower spiritual leaders within your ministry or church to meet needs when called upon.

...your responsibility as a pastor, teacher, missionary, evangelist, or prophet is to equip the saints to do the work of the ministry.

You cannot give what you have not received. Taking time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with your family routinely will only better equip you to do all that God has truly called you to do.

Let’s talk: What have you found is helpful in creating placeholders and escape routes in your daily, weekly, and monthly routines?

Bonus Resources:

Blog: Working 9-to-When?

Podcast: Ministry Challenges, Part One, Ministry Challenges Part Two