You feel the excitement around you as another fundraiser is about to begin. Participants and volunteers alike are jovial and carefree. They are having a good time, and their enthusiasm is contagious. It is these special occasions that remind you why you got involved in ministry in the first place.
For Days Without Fundraisers
You can’t have a fundraiser or special event every day, so how do you keep that joy in the mundane? Philippians tells us to have joy in all things, but that is much harder to do. It is possible to keep your joy even when circumstances look grey or nothing changes.
- Remember the who – remember that everything you do is for God and not for others who may seem ungrateful. Recognizing Who you serve will keep you going even when no one else appreciates it. It also reminds you that He can do anything, even when a situation appears hopeless.
- Thank others – if you are feeling down and discouraged, imagine your co-volunteers or your staff. They probably need to hear a few words of encouragement, too. By encouraging others, we are often encouraged as well.
- Take a break – sometimes it may seem that your ministry is 24/7, but everyone needs a break. Take a walk, pick up a favorite hobby for a couple of hours or go out to lunch with a friend. When you come back, you will feel physically refreshed, which can lead to mental and emotional rejuvenation.
- Review your ministry – your ministry needs a fresh look once in a while. Maybe you need to make some changes or do something different. Go back to your original purpose for the ministry and make sure you are following the plan. Decide if you can do something else that will have an impact. Maybe you can expand your ministry. New goals often bring enthusiasm and excitement.
- Pray – God knows when you have lost your excitement for your ministry, so don’t try to hide it from Him. Instead, go to Him and ask Him to restore that joy of serving Him. Believe that He will answer.
Everyone faces times in ministry where you feel no joy in what you do. Days may come where you wonder if you should give it up and do something else. Unless God is calling you away, don’t let discouragement or lack of joy pull you away from His purpose for you. Instead, praise Him and look to Him for your joy.
Are you experiencing a lack of joy in your ministry? Which of the above actions will you take to restore your joy? If you are still feeling the excitement of serving in ministry, what are some ways you can help others get excited again?
