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The reality of another failed event isn’t a fun one. Or teaching another class when you wonder if you made a difference. Or showing up Sunday and finding volunteers missing –– again. This could have a big impact on your joy!

I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.

It’s frustrating and deflating, but know that there really is a way to have more impact and find more joy in small church ministry! 

Over and over again I see the same mistakes by people in small churches that lead to energy and time getting sucked in the wrong direction. So today, let’s look at 4 mistakes that may be keeping you from what God has in mind!

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Mistake #1: Following The Wrong Model

For a picture of a successful, healthy church ministry, modern culture tells stories of big churches, growing churches, and often megachurches. Is that really the model of success? Is this really a good idea? To listen to these stories? This can be such a big mistake!

Jesus had a pretty amazing, impactful ministry when He was here on this earth, and His “church” had fewer people than we realize. In fact, it was really small. He poured into 12, got really tight with 3, and most left Him along the way. 

And yet, His ministry changed the planet –– more than any before and any since. The best way to have a successful church ministry is by modeling after Jesus!

Mistake #2: Feeling Responsible For More Than You Should

God made the Body of Christ to be the Body with different parts working and serving exactly as they’re gifted. 

But for some reason in small churches, it’s like a laser-focus pointing toward the most willing person around! And before long, you’ve taken the weight of the church on your shoulders, along with the weight of your family, work, relationships, and more. 

It’s time to step back and identify if anything you’re carrying actually doesn’t belong to you. I know you think you can’t put it down, but remember, God’s the one who holds the world in His hands. Not you. 

Mistake #3: Carrying Too Many Plates

As the laser-focus beams its light on you in the work of ministry, you end up spending so much time in so many different ministry areas that your priorities get blurred. One huge mistake we all make, is we spend our time so divided that the one thing you wish you could spend more time on doesn’t get it. We get so caught up in the day-to-day operations, that we end up forgetting our main focus anyway.

You’ve been so busy doing everything, you’re not even sure what your greatest strengths are. Where does God really want you serving? Does He really want you so divided?

Mistake #4: Forgetting Your First Love

Well, it’s not that you actually “forget” your First Love. In fact, you remember Him a lot. You cry out to Him, you pray to Him, you serve for Him, but you don’t always sit with Him –– at least not in a way that fills your heart’s hunger. 

So what does that even look like now? With a life full of competing, you feel like there’s no time for your own renewal. 

But the reality is, you can’t be truly fruitful in service if you no longer hear God’s whisper. He has so much more for you than work to do. His desire is to have your heart, not just your hands.

So … Choose 1 & Take Action

Look back at the 4 common mistakes. Which one spoke to you the loudest? Listen to that voice and make a change.

And for a whole lot more help in moving toward healthy, whole, joyful ministry, check out our FREE online Small Church Conferences.

Go find your joy!

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