Eight Causes for a Ministry Slump

No church grows week after week and year after year. Additionally, our spiritual growth has highs and lows. A slump is inevitable in churches and people. Thom and Sam discuss some causes of a ministry slump and what you can do to stop the slide.

1. 1. Failure to spend time in the Word and the Bible. “Anytime I neglect my personal quiet time, my ministry becomes less effective. You would think I would have learned that lesson by now.”
   2. The cumulative effect of criticisms. “You know, the critics just wear me down. I’ve been at the church for a little over three years, and I am feeling the weight of a steady drip of criticisms.”
   3. Unfulfilled expectations. “I shouldn’t be so numbers’ conscious, but I am. When our attendance or budget goes down for a period, I tend to get down as well.”
   4. Family problems. “My son rebelled for over two years. It impacted all parts of my life, including my ministry.”
   5. Financial problems. “We were having trouble paying our bills. My mind was on that issue every day at the church. I know it hurt my ministry.”
   6. Physical burnout. “I was burning the candle at both ends, and I gained a lot of weight. My body was rebelling, and my emotions took a nosedive. It really affected my ministry.”
   7. Counseling. “I really shouldn’t do as much counseling as I do. I get drained emotionally listening to so many problems. I notice that my slumps always follow several weeks of heavy counseling.”
   8. Comparisons. “We all know that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others in ministry. But I do. And when I do, I feel so inadequate as a pastor and a leader.”

Resources:

• NLT Large Print Pew Bible

• Church Connect

• Tyndale House Publishers

• Upward Sports

• Upward Sports: Pickleball

• Brown Church Development Group

• “The Shape of Faith to Come” by Brad Waggoner (affiliate link)

• Church Answers Platinum Membership

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• The Hope Initiative

Episode Sponsors:

• Pastors, if you are looking for the perfect pew Bible to serve your congregation, the NLT Large Print Pew Bible is a fantastic choice!
  • With its easy-to-read 10.25 point font, even seniors and young readers will follow along comfortably.
  • It’s durable, affordable, and beautifully crafted—ideal for use in worship.
  • And because it is the New Living Translation, your congregation will hear an accurate, understandable, and audibly enjoyable reading of Scripture that speaks to the heart, enriches understanding, and transforms lives—perfect for sermons, public reading, and personal reflection.
  • Upgrade your pew Bibles today.
• Learn more and find bulk discounts for churches at Church Connect.

 

 

• The Power of Partnership
  Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian youth sports organization, empowering local churches to use sports as a dynamic connection tool to engage their communities.
• A Variety of Sports for Every Church
  From basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and baseball to running for adults — and now pickleball — Upward Sports offers flexible league options to fit your church’s unique needs.
• Exciting News: Pickleball Has Arrived!
  Launched in April, pickleball is perfect for middle and high schoolers — easy to learn, quick to set up, and highly engaging. Whether you prefer a traditional league or a flexible practice-and-play format, Upward Sports is here to guide you. Plus, to help you get started, Upward is offering two free Pickleball Net Sets when you create your league. But act fast — only 200 sets are available! Schedule your call today and build a purposeful pickleball ministry in your community. Learn more at www.Upward.org/Pickleball where you can access an equipment list, court dimensions, and more.
• Be the Neighborhood Church
  Want to create a welcoming space for families? Upward Sports provides a first-class, well-organized, and fun league experience. As a self-sustaining ministry, any church — big or small — can get started. Customize your outreach ministry today.
• Get Ahead for Fall Sports
  Looking ahead to the fall season? Create an outreach strategy that includes a warm invite for the whole family – Use sports as that invite. Whether it’s soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball or pickleball, Upward Sports is ready to support your church in reaching families right in the heart of your community. All you need is access to a gym or field and one passionate leader and Upward will support you with the rest.
• Learn more at www.Upward.org/ChurchAnswers.

The post Eight Causes for a Ministry Slump appeared first on Church Answers.