How To Address The Fears That Are Holding Back Your Ministry

Your ministry is probably not growing because you are afraid to fail. Unfortunately, I’ve been there many times. I’ve been hesitant to decide because I want the outcome to be perfect. The result is a more significant failure.

“Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.” ― John Quincy Adams

We fear failure because that could result in people getting angry with us, losing support and even our jobs. But, if you don’t take the risk and refuse to change you lose influence and effectiveness.

As leaders, we cannot be afraid to try something new. That doesn’t mean abandoning our theology or dogma, and it simply means letting go of those things that make us feel safe like:

RUNNING THE MINISTRY ON OUR OWN

Instead of delegating tasks and responsibilities we do it all on our own. The reason we refuse to pass on responsibility is that we don’t trust that other people can do it as we can. And that’s true, but they probably can do it better.

But, if they don’t and they fail, it’s an opportunity to teach them. Ask them, “What could you have done differently?” and point out your observations. Help them because it’s worth the risk. In the end, you’ll be able to reach more people and solve problems that you could not do on your own.

PUTTING OUR FAITH INTO PROGRAMS 

Programs are like most systems and structures out there; over time they fall apart. They lose relevancy and become predictable. To avoid that outcome you need to evaluate what it is you are doing.

Don’t be afraid to look at new structures and formats. It’s a lot of work to make the change, but it can help your ministry grow in size and depth. If you feel like what you are doing now is working then that’s great. Don’t change to change, but make sure you measure your effectiveness.

I love doing the S.W.O.T. (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis with my teams to get a perspective of what’s working and what isn’t. We sit down with new volunteers to get a fresh perspective on what makes sense.

HOLDING BACK THE NEXT GENERATION

We tell teens they are the future of the parish, but the reality is that they are the present church today. Letting teens serve and lead is extremely risky due to their lack of experience. But, what they do bring is coachability and the willingness to try something new.

As youth ministers, we need to find opportunities and empower teens to serve throughout the church. That means working with the rest of your staff on finding men and women the next generation can apprentice. Look for people who will teach them the task and show them how to lead.

Reward the teens when they do a good job, and correct them when they mess up. Raise the bar but give them a chance to reach it. When you have teens serving and leading the church, and not just the youth ministry, you breathe new life into the rest of the congregants.

Don’t be afraid to try and fail because what you learn from those experiences are priceless. You’ll discover new leadership and ways of growing disciples. You will inspire people by your courage, and they will want to support you in your vision. In the end, we’ll have a church that isn’t a building, but a movement.

In what ways are you taking risks to grow the next generation of disciples?

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