Can ministry be an idol?

Note: This was a note I posted on Facebook in March 2009. As I am sending out applications for children's ministry positions, I wanted to repost it as a reminder to myself, and my friends of what ministry is really all about.


So I am sitting here in chapel, led by my good friend Stephen Walton, who always leads thought provoking worship. I am confronted with the idea that ministry is so glamorous, and I just want that office, that little cubicle with my desk and the walls that I can decorate, and the people that can come in and be impressed by my creativity and my skill and my knowledge and my love for the children, and to impress the classmates, and all the people who see how much I have overcome for this "great thing." Who or what am I worshiping? Am I worshiping God or am I worshiping myself, or dare I say, am I worshiping the title or office? How many ministers are like that? So I am wondering…what if there were no people? What if no one was here to serve but God himself? I have been a people servant my entire life. God knows that and created me that way, but He wants so much more for me. So what if there were no people to serve? Who would I be serving?

I lay my face before the King. I weep at his feet and wash his feet with my hair. I bless HIM. I serve HIM. It’s just My King and me, and there is no one to serve but Him. 

So who am I really serving? Am I really serving my daughter? Am I really serving these people of the church that I love? Am I really serving the children? Or am I serving myself? Am I feeding my desires to have this “glamorous” position of authority and decision making?

Somehow we have made this position of lowly servant hood into a thing of pride. Where was Jesus’ office? Where did he stack his books and hang his diploma? What office did he decorate and whom was he fighting to impress? His office was the cross. He decorated the hearts of those who were broken, and He was only here to impress and glorify His Father, God.

So God, I lay all of me at your feet. My office is my cross. I will glorify you by blessing and making beautiful those who are broken and unloved, and I am only here to impress and to glorify You. 




If you are aware of a need for a children's or family minister within the Restoration Movement churches, please contact me for my resume.