As a kid I always liked Batman. Not only did he have cool gadgets, but the Batmobile was insane. Whether it was the goofy Adam West Batman or the darker Michael Keaton version, I always thought to myself, “It would be cool to suit up and save the world.”
Now that I am older, I don’t have that same desire to suit up. But I’ve definitely found myself playing the superhero—or worse, the savior. There have been times when I thought I could do it all, or that I had to do it all or disaster would ensue.
Being a ministry leader does matter. We have the ability to impact lives with the Truth and empower others to do the same. The problem comes when we start to believe that the ministry cannot exist or function properly without us. While our giftedness is unique and valuable, in the end it is God’s will that prevails.
So how do you know if you are putting on the cape or centering yourself as the savior of your ministry?
Looking back, there are usually a few warning signs that show up when I start putting on the cape.
RESENTMENT AND JEALOUSY REAR THEIR UGLY HEADS
Some of my best memories of working in a parish are when I got to celebrate the accomplishments of my coworkers. Some of the greatest joys I experienced as part of a team were when we could look at a challenge or a goal and realize that we did it together.
But when I was at my worst, I couldn’t enjoy those moments. Instead, I found myself thinking, “Great for them, but when am I going to get my recognition?” or “Yeah, it was the team, but I had to carry the weight.”
I’m not saying we shouldn’t receive affirmation for what we do. Encouragement matters. But when I start to envy other people’s accomplishments or resent their success, I know it’s time for a gut check.
DELEGATION FEELS LIKE A PIPE DREAM
You might be short on volunteers. But is it because no one cares, or because you don’t trust others to take the lead?
Whether you enjoy being in the spotlight or you are afraid to see things fail, our unwillingness to delegate can be a sign that we believe only we can get the job done.
Even superheroes eventually join teams. The Avengers, the Defenders, the Justice League—they all needed one another.
Ministry works the same way.
If we refuse to share the mission and responsibility with others, we ignore Paul’s reminder that the body of Christ is not made up of a single part (1 Corinthians 12:14).
So if you’ve struggled to build a team of volunteers, take a moment to reflect on why it’s so difficult to let go. Is it pride? Fear? Trust? Or maybe a little of everything?
Naming it is often the first step toward addressing it.
GUARDRAILS AND BOUNDARIES BECOME NEGOTIABLE
When the work piles up and the schedule gets out of hand, what helps you stay focused?
There are countless habits, disciplines, and rhythms we can adopt to stay grounded in the mission. Prayer. Going for a walk. Creating digital downtime. Having trusted people who can hold us accountable.
What works best will look different from person to person and from season to season.
There have been times when I needed a retreat. Other seasons required something simpler, like eating better or creating healthier daily rhythms.
Taking care of ourselves is not selfish. It’s stewardship. It helps us remain attentive to the Spirit and faithful to the mission.
Keeping a schedule, checking in with others, and building healthy habits helps us navigate the stressful seasons that tempt us to play the savior.
Build those guardrails. Adjust them when needed. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you want to stay in ministry for the long haul, you have to remind yourself of something important.
You are a steward.
You don’t own the ministry. The work will continue long after any one of us moves on.
But if we want to bear fruit and experience the joy God has for us in this mission, we have to keep Christ at the center and invite others to share in the work.
Ministry was never meant to be a one-person superhero story.
If you are looking for guidance on how to lead well without carrying everything alone, consider setting up an Impact Session with us. To learn more click HERE.