Staying Motivated

Episode Summary

Todd Wagner joins Adam and John in the studio to talk about motivation. Together, they discuss how to stay motivated when doing the work of ministry. We pray this conversation provides practical wisdom, leadership advice, and encouragement for staying in the race. Ultimately, staying motivated requires being a faithful disciple of Jesus and an active participant with His Church.

How to Stay Motivated in Ministry:

1. Expect It To Be Hard - Church leaders will often lose steam if they expect everything to be easy. When things start to get hard, motivation can take a hit. We have to remember that ministry is not easy. It is hard work and will often ask more of you than you have to give. That is why God asks us to trust him. Trust that he will give you strength
2. Don't Just "Do Church" - When believers start to go through the motions, things will start to feel monotonous or tiresome. Remember that you don't just attend Church, you are the Church.
3. Be On The Offensive - Don't wait till you feel unmotivated to start addressing things. Take initiative and look for ways to lead yourself well now. Realize that God is welcoming you to join what He is doing. Every opportunity for ministry is a gift and a place to take ground.
4. Share Campfire Stories - Get together with others often to share what God is doing in your midst. It is easy to lose motivation if you never remind yourself what God is accomplishing.
5. Do Ministry With People You Love - There will always be times when God calls you to work with people you differ from or disagree with. However, this doesn't mean you isolate or run away. Try to surround yourself with people who spur you on to love and good deeds.
6. Lead Your Family Well - Your most important ministry will always be ministry in the home. If you have a family, and are not motivated to love them well, then you will inevitably lack motivation outside the home.
7. Find People That Are Thriving - Look around for other leaders that are thriving in ministry. Find people who are highly motivated, love what they do, and want to encourage others. Ask these people questions and learn from them. Often motivation will come from watching other motivated people.
8. Just Be Faithful - When unmotivated or in doubt, focus on being faithful. Look for the next best step, and take it. God doesn't need you to have every emotion in line before following him. He is just asking you to be faithful right where you are at.
9. Remember God Doesn't Waste Your Time - God has you in your present season for a reason. Ask yourself often what God may be teaching you. He isn't wasting your time. In fact, he is working all things together for your ultimate good.
10. It's Your Responsibility - No one else is going to own your motivation. Your motivation is your responsibility. Don't rely on others to do the work that God is calling you to do yourself.

Conclusion

Staying motivated is hard work. It requires diligence, honesty, and faith. Trust the Lord when things are hard, and thank Him when things are good. God invites you to share in His restorative work on earth. Let that encourage and motivate you.