Discouragement in Ministry

Episode #086
January 2, 2015
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Podcast Episode #086


In this first podcast episode of 2015, we expound on what discourages those in ministry. Like criticism, overcoming discouragement is a two-pronged approach. Ministers need to know how to handle it, and members need to realize how their actions can cause it.

Some highlights from this week’s episode include:

  • An active church member 15 years ago attended church three times a week. Now it’s three times a month.
  • Church membership classes can help decrease the discouragement for staff by giving members expectations and information up front.
  • Pastors or staff members can run themselves ragged trying to meet personal demands placed on them from church members.
  • Many ministers lack business and administrative training but are expected to know how to run what amounts to a small business.
  • You have no right to attack the family of a staff person because of dissatisfaction with the minister.
  • Every church staff will have conflict and differences. It is normal. The key is how you resolve that conflict.

The ten issues we covered were:

  1. Conflicts/complaining/murmuring.
  2. Lack of fruit and spiritual maturity in church members.
  3. Apathy.
  4. Church members who leave the church for seemingly silly or no reasons.
  5. Expectations by members/lack of time.
  6. Performing tasks where the pastor/staff does not have competencies.
  7. Meetings/committees.
  8. Family concerns.
  9. Staff issues.
  10. Lack of volunteers.

Episode Sponsor

The Cross Church School of Ministry is a one-year residential ministry experience hosted by Cross Church and Dr. Ronnie Floyd.  It uniquely designed to prepare leaders for life, ministry, and Gospel advancement globally. For more information about the Cross Church School of Ministry visit:  www.CrossChurchSchool.com.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com.

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