Are we missing the mark with our awkward attempts to glorify God when we communicate ministry success?
My work within the church sphere means that I am exposed to a lot of updates from churches and the people who lead, work or volunteer within them.
The stories being told are usually rousing. They are stories of trial, endurance, courage and breakthrough. They usually take the form of a hearty explanation of how something came to be, the money raised, the step of faith, the commitment of the team… and then almost without fail veer off course into “…we are just so amazed at what God is doing here.”.
We talk at length about the human effort and sacrifice required to bring something into being. Then, as if to avoid jinxing the situation, we change tack and lay all responsibility for the new building, outreach program, album, unity or neighbourhood impact as something that has come to fruition outside of our efforts.
I completely understand the goal — take no glory for yourself, instead glorify God. We are after-all talking about the growth and development of His church. It just feels a little superstitious, and presents the listener with a few inconsistencies.
Problem #1: No, healthy acknowledgement of the human effort involved
To me, what is lacking is a healthy acknowledgement of the human effort involved, effort that flows from personal devotion to Christ. It’s all very well to say nothing would have happened without God’s hand at work, but I think its time to consider a remix of that somewhat incoherent explanation.
Consider the weightiness of a story of normal people, who despite having freedom of thought and action, CHOSE to sacrifice, work, build and put themselves at risk socially, financially and emotionally because they were so moved by the love that God has shown them personally.
That version becomes a thought-provoking, relatable story that those outside of faith can understand. I think it glorifies God in a richer, more meaningful way. We subjugate ourselves before God in this version. We paint a picture of God’s people in awe of their Creator. Moved to action because of a lived experience of His grace in our lives. Rather than just deflecting congratulations in His direction for the cool new thing we have.
It also avoids the second problem.
Problem #2: Publicly claiming God’s absolute support for your project
Every church leader has punted something that seemed like a great, anointed idea at the time but turned out to be either a waste of money or worse, a misrepresentation of God to the community. It is much easier to back track when things go south, if your posture during initial success is that you were simply moved to action by your faith in God — making every effort to act according to His will.
But, sometimes…
Sometimes things so far exceed our own expectations that we really are amazed at what God has seemingly brought to being via a textbook miracle. Yet even then, it is rare that challenging circumstances just disappear or a new venue materializes in front of you.
Far more often, these miracles occur when normal humans, moved by the Spirit, act in love, boldness, courage or sacrifice. Rather than be disappointed by the natural root of these game-changing developments, I think its super that so many other people have had an encounter with God that has freed them to give extravagantly of themselves and their stuff to serve the advance of His Gospel. Its counter-cultural testimony that emphasizes life-change in people who call themselves Christians.
God is not glorified by material things, He is glorified by the worship of His people. Glorifying God, by highlighting the devotion of His people seems an appropriate response in these high moments.
So my encouragement is that next time you recount a story of ministry success, make much of your team’s faith in God and their efforts that speak of lives changed. I’m convinced that the faithfulness of His people is an issue far closer to God’s heart, than His desire to take credit for material developments.
