Working in ministry can feel like carrying both the weight of heaven’s calling and the very real demands of daily life. Whether you serve in the pulpit, the sound booth, or behind the scenes, leadership in the church is more than just a role—it’s a calling that tests our faith, our patience, and our perseverance.
Over the years, I’ve walked through a wide range of experiences—business ownership, leadership in different industries, times of success, and times of stumbling. Through it all, I’ve come to see that God uses every step of our journey—both the victories and the failures—to shape us for His purpose.
Leadership Is Not About Title
When I was younger, I thought leadership meant being the one in charge. But experience taught me that real leadership is influence rooted in service. In Matthew 20:26, Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
In business, I learned this when leading teams that didn’t respond to authority alone—they followed when they knew I cared, when I modeled consistency, and when I was willing to serve alongside them. Ministry leadership is the same. Titles don’t transform people—service does.
Purpose Is Forged in the Journey
I’ve had seasons where I felt unsure of my path. Times when business ventures failed, or when I wondered if I was really making a difference. But Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Your purpose isn’t a one-time revelation—it’s often discovered through the grind, through trying, failing, and trusting God to redirect you. Just like Joseph’s setbacks prepared him for leadership in Egypt, your experiences—even the painful ones—are preparing you for greater impact in ministry.
Developing Purpose Through Practice
Purpose doesn’t stay abstract. It grows as you put your faith into action:
Start where you are. Don’t wait for a platform. Lead in small ways—mentor one person, volunteer, or bring order to one area of ministry.
Learn from setbacks. Every challenge holds a lesson. Ask, “What is God teaching me here?” instead of, “Why me?”
Stay rooted in the Word. Scripture is the compass that keeps leadership aligned with God’s will.
Invest in people. True purpose is fulfilled not when we build programs, but when we help people grow closer to Christ.
From Experience to Impact
Looking back, I see how God used every season of my life—business ventures, leadership roles, struggles, and personal growth—to prepare me to coach and encourage others. The same is true for you. Your purpose in ministry may not always be clear in the moment, but every step is shaping you to serve better, to lead with humility, and to influence others for the Kingdom.
Final Thought
Ministry leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being faithful in the process. God will use your unique experiences to sharpen you and others, to help you discover your purpose, and to multiply your impact. Keep leading, keep serving, and keep trusting that He is weaving your story into something far greater than you can see today.