How To Rebound From Your Ministry Mistakes

There are many stories I could share with you about the mistakes I’ve made in ministry, from losing $3200 on a fundraiser to accidentally sending a parent a poop emoji. I would love to tell you that all of my mistakes in ministry happened within the first year I served; however, that would be a lie.

In ministry, we mess up, and that’s okay. In addition to being human, there will be times when we want to take a risk or a giant leap that might result in failure. No matter why we make a mistake, it’s crucial to know how to bounce back. But before we can do that, it is essential to:

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND OWN THE SITUATION

The temptation when a mistake is made is to find a scapegoat. Who can we blame? A parent, the pastor, or the pandemic? Yet, when we search for someone to blame, we neglect our role in the situation. Taking responsibility and owning the problem does not mean letting others off the hook, and it’s acknowledging that you were a part of the situation and your actions impacted others.

Once we’re willing to step up and say, “I was a part of this.” Then you can start being a part of the solution to move forward. Plus, the more we hide from responsibility, the larger the mistake becomes, and worst of all, we lose trust from those around us.

DISCERNING THE TAKEAWAY

Most times, the only takeaway we have from a mistake is not to repeat it. But, what if there was something beneficial? As painful as it is to dwell in our mistakes, there might be lessons that we learn about ourselves, leadership, managing others, communication, etc.

Do not process your mistakes on your own. Sit down with a coach, mentor, fellow ministry leader, or friend to talk about what was learned. You might even discover that you are too hard on yourself or that the mistake was a fluke and out of your control by talking with someone else. 

Whatever you learn, it’s essential to take steps to grow. Suppose your mistake was a miscommunication, research ways to improve in that area. If your mistake was a management failure, see if you can find a course to help you improve. Again, reflecting on a mistake might be painful, but it can lead you to more significant opportunities by compelling you to grow.

PURSUE HEALING AND RESTORATION

You don’t need me to remind you that our mistakes are painful. Some take a little bit of time to forget, but others require healing. Whether you are the cause or victim of someone’s mistakes, you must find healing. Again, sitting down with someone is vital. That person might be a therapist who helps you resolve some deep-rooted wound. Or consider a spiritual director to help you reconnect with God.

The other factor to consider is how your mistake might have hurt another person. Just because you are okay does not mean that they are fine. Don’t assume that people will react the same way as you. Check-in with them, pray with them, and seek forgiveness if needed.

You are going to make mistakes, and that is okay. And while you might have to take time to discern and heal, don’t let them be a reason you cannot move forward. Embrace your imperfections with humility and find the people who can get you back on track.

How do you rebound from your ministry mistakes?