STOP WORKING IN MINISTRY (AND START STEWARDING IT)

Some days I wanted to select every email in my inbox and hit “delete all.” But I knew that by tomorrow, a thousand more would replace them — and somewhere in that pile would be something important. That’s what ministry can feel like: endless, reactive, and exhausting.

There were seasons in parish life when I never felt like I was making progress. Everything was about responding, fixing, or keeping up — and that’s a fast track to burnout. It’s easy to get stuck in survival mode, but that pace eventually erodes our effectiveness and joy.

We can’t hit a “do-over” button, but we can slow down long enough to take a fresh look at how we’re leading. Healthy, sustainable ministry begins when we practice stewardship of our ministry, not just participation in it.

When we practice stewardship, we step back to look at the big picture — the systems, habits, and structures that enable us to accompany people well. It’s how we ensure our ministry reflects the mission God has placed in our care. Stewardship helps us make small improvements that create long-term impact and prevent inefficiency and fatigue.

But that requires something difficult: stepping away from the daily grind, even just for a few hours, to think, plan, and pray. Whether you’re a volunteer, part-time, or full-time leader, building this rhythm into your role is essential if you want to move from surviving to thriving.

So where should you begin? Here are three areas to focus your stewardship.

Culture and Community

When the culture of your ministry is unhealthy, even good programs will struggle. Start by asking yourself: Do we have a healthy culture?

A healthy environment is one where people feel valued, trust is evident, and the pace is sustainable. When culture is right, your team — whether it’s paid staff, volunteers, or families — can take on any challenge together.

If you’re unsure where to begin, explore some practical frameworks like Patrick Lencioni’s The Advantage or Liz Wiseman’s Multipliers. Then ask questions such as:

• How do we define a healthy culture?

• What are the values that define our ministry?

Sometimes naming what’s not working is the hardest part. That’s where outside perspective helps. Invite a fellow ministry leader, a trusted friend, or your parish council to give honest feedback. A fresh set of eyes can help you see what’s been hiding in plain sight.

Communication Clarity and Consistency

There was a time I couldn’t understand why no one showed up to meetings or events. I thought handing out a flyer at the beginning of the year with all our preselected dates was enough. “Stick it on your refrigerator,” I’d say. But that’s not how most people operate.

Today, I rely on reminders, notifications, and easy access to information — and so does everyone else. That’s why clear, consistent communication is essential. Take time to look at your website, email communications, social media, and calendar. Ask: Is everything up to date, easy to find, and delivered regularly?

You don’t have to fix it all at once. Stewardship means stepping back to see the big picture. It might mean delegating communication roles, creating a rhythm for when updates go out, or upgrading the tools you use. Little improvements here make a big difference in how people experience your ministry.

Goal Setting and Success Evaluation

If you start each season with your head down, grinding it out until the end, you’ll miss opportunities for growth. Every event, program, or meeting should begin with one key question:
What do we hope the outcome will be?

Without clear goals, we end up throwing things against the wall and hoping something sticks. Take time with your team to set measurable goals and regularly evaluate what’s working — and what isn’t. Assess your programs, events, and even your personal performance. These conversations help you course-correct early and celebrate the moments worth repeating.

This isn’t about adding more work; it’s about doing the right work.

Start Small — Reflect Weekly

I know this takes time and effort. If you’re not ready for a full coaching experience, try starting small. Set aside one or two hours each week — preferably the same day and time — and ask yourself three questions:

1. What did we do well?

2. What could we improve?

3. What am I learning about myself, my ministry, and my situation?

Those small moments of reflection will help you lead with greater clarity and confidence.

If you need help creating this rhythm, check out our MYM Coaching offerings.

We help leaders uncover their motivation, build habits that last, and find the time to lead with purpose.

To build a stronger ministry, you have to slow things down. Stewardship means stepping back, evaluating what’s working, and letting God guide you toward health and growth. The more you invest in caring for your ministry, the more it will bear fruit — for you, your team, and the people you serve.