Ministry is a great gift, but similar to any call, it is a vocation that shares in the Cross.
If you’re a ministry leader or pastor, you don’t need us to tell you that. You’re living it out every single day. And some of those days are the amazing, fulfilling, God inspired days where you go home and think, “Wow, I can’t believe I get to do this for a living.” And others of those days are the difficult, tiring, challenging days where you go home and think, “Wow, I don’t know if I can keep doing this for a living.”
But no matter which one of those days you’re currently having, we want to help you make the most of your time in ministry. Because underneath all the details and duties you’re dealing with each and every day is an incredible opportunity to serve and lead others toward a growing relationship with God.
While we all know there are some things that are just simply out of your control, there are a few things you can do each day to help you make the most of this season of ministry and find the joy in what you do.
Choose your attitude.
Even when you don’t have a choice about the work you’re doing or the people you’re serving, you do have a choice in the attitude you approach it with. You can choose your attitude, and that choice can mean the difference between an okay day and an incredible day. When you make the choice to bring an inspired and uplifting attitude, your workday will reflect that. You can’t control much about your work, but you can control your attitude. You have a choice, and as long as you’re choosing, why not make it a good one?
Find the joy.
The work you’re doing in your ministry is important. It has the potential to change the entire course of life for the people you serve. What an incredible blessing and opportunity to serve the Lord! All the more reason to find a little fun in your work along the way! Whether it’s a conversation with a coworker or member of your congregation, an event you’re looking forward to, or simply grabbing lunch with your team, look for moments of encounter and joy. Taking time to acknowledge the little delights in your day-to-day work won’t just lighten your step in the moment, it will form a habit that will help sustain you long-term.
Make someone’s day.
As someone who works in ministry, you are in the unique position to serve, care for, and love other people each and every day. You have the chance to contribute to someone’s life in a major way. And one of the best ways to make the most out of your ministry is to find ways to make someone’s day. Maybe it’s as simple as engaging in conversation with a new visitor. It could be helping a busy mother get to her car after mass or visiting someone who is going through a difficult time. Working in ministry provides you the opportunity to share God’s love with others by caring for those in need at your parish.
Be present.
With so much going on in your work each and every day, it’s easy to get so lost in the details and forget about the heart behind it. It’s easy to lose sight of the people you’re serving and maybe even why you’re serving. And when that happens, you can very quickly miss out on moments of encounter and ministry. So make an effort to be present.
Don’t miss the moments to interact with your people. Spend time getting to know a member of your team a little better. Put your phone down every once in awhile. Resist the urge to hide away in your office from time to time. Or simply make an effort to stay engaged with the people you pass each and every Sunday morning. Stay present in your ministry so that you don’t miss a moment. You definitely won’t be sorry that you did!
May peace and blessing accompany your parish and parish staff each and every day. We are grateful for the gift of your ministry and hope you find this information helpful. Thank you for the privilege of serving you in your ministry!
