“It’s different when you work in the real world.”
I’d been in ministry less than a year when I heard this comment for the first time. Initially, it didn’t bother me. I knew what she meant. She was comparing my role in local church ministry to her work in a fast-paced corporate environment. I couldn’t deny there were significant differences between our daily jobs. But after working in the church and with churches for almost two decades, I can confirm that life in ministry is very real.
On any given day, you might go straight from an energizing conversation with a new leader to a heartbreaking conversation with someone experiencing deep pain in their life. Sometimes it happens within the course of the same meeting. I once met with a vendor who was hoping to sell a product to our church. By the end of our meeting, he was in tears, pouring out his struggles about finding God’s purpose for his life. He didn’t close a sale that day, but we did spend time in prayer, and as it turns out, that was what he really needed. That was his real world.
During one meeting with an executive minister, we talked about some tough decisions he was facing. He was torn. He knew an upcoming plan was the right thing to do for his church, but he also knew it would be hurtful to some individuals. Undoubtedly, there would be members of the congregation who wouldn’t understand.
As we closed our meeting, I asked if I could pray for him. He agreed, and I spent a few minutes praying for wisdom and perseverance in his leadership. As I left, he said with a shrug, “Thanks. I always pray for others, but people don’t usually offer to pray for me.” My heart sank. This was his real world as a church leader.
Sometimes, it’s lonely at the top. All leaders need people who are committed to praying for them. Whether you’re an executive in a corporate setting or an executive pastor at a church, consider the question: Who is praying for you this week?
If you don’t immediately have a few names that come to mind, put this on your list for personal development this year. There is a sweet mystery to prayer. God works through it, and He knits our hearts to those people who are consistently on our prayer list. And the truth is, we all need help as we navigate our journey in the real world.
Here are a few ideas for establishing strong prayer relationships:
At Fishhook, we regularly pray for our friends and partners in ministry. Let us know how our team can pray for you this week by commenting below or emailing us!