Don’t Take the Credit (or the Blame)

It happens to the best of us. I find myself quietly counting heads while groups are discussing a question together in a teaching setting. I ‘check-in’ with my wife on the drive home or when our home is finally emptied after an evening of community group—”How do you think it went today/tonight?” While I’ve been at this long enough to know that everything doesn’t rest on my own shoulders or efforts, it is difficult to not take awkward silence, lackluster discussion, or inconsistent attendance to heart.

As leaders in ministry we face two great temptations: 1) to blame ourselves for the apparent failures in our ministry efforts, or 2) to pat ourselves on the back for the good things that happen. We take our ministries to heart—passionately trying to discover better ways of reaching and connecting with young adults, of providing environments for learning & spiritual growth, of creating opportunities for service & ministry.

The truth is, though, that the ultimate results—the spiritual impact we have in the lives of those we minister to & with - are the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. No amount of eloquent teaching, incredible leadership, or creativity on your part can equate to spiritual impact and growth apart from what God is accomplishing. At best we are simply vehicles of God’s grace.

If they weren’t difficult enough struggles on their own, matters become worse when we realize that the two are tied to each other more closely than we might realize. At a recent conference, pastor and author Craig Groeschel (Confessions of a Pastor) explained it this way: “When we blame ourself for the decline (in the church/our ministries), we may just take the credit for the increase later.”

What can you do to avoid the credit/blame game in your own life & ministry?

1. Pray. Pray. Pray.

   If what happens in the lives of the young adults in our ministry is really in God’s hands, then, beyond anything else, we must maintain a blanket and foundation of prayer. Pray for spiritual awakening and empowering in their lives. Pray that God would show you areas He is already at work so that you may join Him there.

2. Paint Yourself In a Corner.

   We must act as spotlights - continuing to re-direct the attention and focus away from ourselves & back onto the One who deserves the glory and credit. God uses us, so this isn’t as much a need to be self-defacing as much as God-glorifying. Give credit where credit is due and lift up Jesus in front of your own creative plans.

3. Seek Him First On Your Own.

   Spiritual growth must begin in your own life. Don’t forfeit your own prayer time for times of public prayer alone. Don’t spend considerable time in teaching preparation in lieu of spending time in God’s Word for personal devotion. Seek Him first… (Matthew 6:33)