Image Courtesy of: http://www.sxc.hu/profile/madmaven

[This is part of the Misconceptions About Ministry Series]

It almost sounds silly now, but I used to think that being a pastor (or being in ministry) was two-fold: the platform and the picnic. Let me explain. I honestly believed that most of what a pastor did was communicate from the platform (i.e. deliver a sermon). And then, I knew that the word “fellowship” was a pretty big deal and that the pastor tended to facilitate that. As I have thought about life in ministry and the things I used to believe about this whole thing, I began to wonder, where did I get these ideas?

Where it all began…

Then I realized that it all stemmed from one of the first pastors I had. This guy was an incredibly supportive and honest guy, I am so glad that I was able to sit under his leadership for a season. Well, as a young kid, I only interacted him in two environments. And you probably guessed it, in the church (I was in a pew and he was on the platform) and occasionally at picnics.

This isn’t a bad thing. And it is certainly not his fault. But when I felt God tugging my heart and really calling me to full-time ministry at the ripe (and very awkward) age of 11, I thought, I like speaking and I can get used to this picnic thing. But of course, I was wrong…

Those two things are very important parts of ministry (delivering the Word and being in relationship with those you lead, essentially) but after being on staff at Family Life Church for two years and being involved in Chi Alpha since I was a freshman in college, I would have to say those activities feel like they are only 20% of the pie.

My friend Justin Adams once said this about youth ministry (but I think it applies here too):

It is really about two things: moving chairs and putting out fires.

And although it is a bit of hyperbole, it is true. There are a lot of administrative tasks in ministry (especially as a missionary) and then, there is this idea of conflict which can run through families, staffs, volunteers and church attenders.

What Now?

I think it would have been helpful for me to ask more questions about what a pastor does and what ministry looks like pragmatically – but I have enjoyed the journey. And I am trying to be like Brother Lawrence, in that, if I am making copies or picking up coffee, I am doing it with a heart dedicated to God.

Am I the only one that had misconceptions about what being in ministry looked like? I would love to hear your thoughts!