Avoiding Pitfalls In Ministry

When I was growing up, two of my favorite cartoon characters were Sam Sheepdog and Ralph Wolf. These characters were regulars in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies lineup.  And although they always appeared as a duo, there were not partners; they were adversaries. 

 Sam Sheepdog and Ralph Wolf in the Looney Tunes short A Sheep in the Deep. The short A Sheep in the Deep is copyright 1961 Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.

Each episode seemed to start with them preparing to clock in for a day’s work. 

“Good morning, Sam.”

“Good morning, Ralph.”

They respected each other and even lunched together, but when it was time to “punch the clock,” it was all business for them both.  Sam immediately took his post as the guardian of the sheep, while Ralph began his prowl, preparing every trap imaginable to catch as many sheep as he could.  It was a daily routine, and neither stopped until the whistle blew. 

When I was a child, the interchanges between Sam and Ralph were just Saturday morning comic relief.  Now that I am a ministry leader I think of those cartoons with different context.  They serve as  reminders of just how often pitfalls may be presented and just how vigilant we must be to avoid them.  1 Peter 5 reminds the same.

. . . shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock . . . Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you . . . Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:2, 5b-6, 8 (ESV)

Pastors, deacons, ministers, program directors, and other ministry leaders hold varying levels of responsibility, yet all are called to serve with attentive care so that the “flock” grows instead of diminishes.  We are spiritual shepherds and sheepdogs appointed to protect and guide.  But even leaders occasionally fall prey to snares. 

Although pitfalls are unseen or hidden dangers, we can safeguard ourselves against them. Our primary defense is the protection of the all-sufficient God.  Psalm 32:7 tells us that God is a hiding place Who preserves from trouble.  Psalm 91 reminds us that He is our dwelling place, our protection, and even our deliverer from snares.  Proverbs 22:3 tells us, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”  When we “hide” ourselves under His “wings” (Ps. 91:4), we are protected.  Prudent leaders, therefore, continually abide in God and seek His covering and protection to avoid falling. 

While under the shelter of the “Most High,” we are to lead His flock to that same shelter.  1 Peter 5:2 says we should do it “as God would have” us, not out of obligation or force. We should serve as good stewards, remind others of God’s protection, and willingly and diligently serve them as part of our reasonable service to Him. 

A second defense against pitfalls in ministry is to remain humble in our service (vv. 5-6).  Using the reign of King Uzziah as an example, Allen Parr notes, “Our hearts are most susceptible to pride when we experience success.”[1] Parr points to 2 Chronicles 26:5, which lets us know that as long as Uzziah “sought the LORD, God made him prosper.” However, after years of success, “when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction” (2 Chronicles 26:16). In his pride, Uzziah was unfaithful to God and somewhat insolent, entering the altar of incense that was set aside for priests.   When we become unfaithful to God, we no longer rely on His power, but our natural strength, and as Parr mentions, on the “reserve power” from God.  Our interdependence on the Lord turns into self-reliance. Eventually, like Uzziah, we begin to do things that are off limits and reject wise counsel, much to our personal shame and demise (2 Chronicles 26:17).

Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Knowing this, as leaders we should be diligent to note our personal triggers and vulnerabilities that lead us to be prideful.  How often do we assess the things that lead us into temptation?  Annual reviews should not be just for secular jobs.  Rather, ministry leaders should regularly reflect on their character and how it is developed.  For example, we should ask ourselves questions like:

• Do I hunger for the approval of man? 

• Do I withdraw from wise counsel, or do we welcome it?

• Am I seeking to please God or myself?

• Do I rely on God or our education and accomplishments? 

• What stimulates my desires to grow in ministry? 

Heart checks are vital to the sustainability of ministry leaders.  Understanding our propensities and managing them wisely helps us to build our personal emotional intelligence and avoid prideful behavior. 

A final defense is to be watchful and sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8a). We must not “sleep on the job.” Instead, we should be mindful that we have an enemy whose goal is to devour us (v.8b). Like relentless sheepdogs, we should keep our eyes open for the adversary, who is constantly setting traps. Law enforcement uses the term “I got your six,” meaning someone is watching their back. Similarly, ministry leaders need consistent, appropriate accountability from people who will “watch their backs,” by helping them discern when they are nearing danger, walking in their own strength, or simply not taking care of themselves. 

Sam Sheepdog never abandoned his post regardless of Ralph Wolf’s antics; neither should we.  Too much is at stake. Just as Sam dealt with Ralph daily, we too face a real adversary who is always at work. As we abide in God’s protection and walk in accountability, may we lead those we are called to serve with wisdom, humility, and care.

[1] Allen Parr, https://voice.dts.edu/chapel/how-to-succeed-in-ministry-and-avoid-ministry-pitfalls/