If You Weren’t in Ministry Tomorrow… What Would Be Left of Your Faith?
You got into ministry because you love Jesus.
But somewhere along the way, things got… complicated.
You’re still preaching. Still visiting. Still carrying the weight of the church.
You’re faithful. But lately, something’s felt off.
You find yourself opening your Bible just to prep the next sermon.
Your prayers are rushed, distracted.
You used to feel close to God. Now, if you're honest, it feels distant.
You still believe with your head… but your heart feels tired.
If that’s you, you’re not alone.
In fact, you may be standing at the very crossroads where so many faithful pastors have found themselves. Not because you’re failing. But because ministry can blur the lines between serving God and being with God.
“If I wasn’t in ministry tomorrow, what would be left of my faith?”
Carey Nieuwhof (church leader, author and coach) has asked this questions many times through his platform. It names a truth that too many of us are afraid to admit: ministry can become a substitute for relationship. When that happens, our souls grow dry. Our calling becomes a job. Our prayers lose their power. Jesus never called you to produce for Him. He called you to abide in Him.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
—John 15:5 (NIV)
The Problem Isn’t Laziness—It’s Exhaustion
Many pastors have burned out not because they stopped working, but because they stopped connecting. In a three-year study from the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, clergy who practiced the Daily Examen—a 500-year-old Ignatian prayer practice—reported:
A 31% reduction in anxiety symptoms
A 15% increase in spiritual well-being
And it took just 12–15 minutes a day
Twelve minutes. A cup of coffee. A quiet walk. A way to come home to God again.
But First: You Have to Get Honest
In our Ministry Forum email this week (you gotta subscribe) Rev. John writes about his daily prayer rhythms. He uses the Lectio 365 app every morning - he’s tried their midday and evening prayer, but often misses them. Still, he returns - not because it’s a rule, but because his soul needs grounding.
The Daily Examen invites you into a daily rhythm of reflection and renewal. It’s a slow walk through your day with the Holy Spirit as you:
Become aware of God’s presence
Review the day with gratitude
Pay attention to your emotions
Choose one moment to pray from
Look forward to tomorrow
It sounds simple, because it is - but that doesn’t make it any less powerful!
You Can’t Lead From Emptiness
There’s a world of difference between a pastor who teaches prayer and a pastor who prays. Jesus didn’t rush. He withdrew. He rested. He prayed. If He needed to do that… how much more do we?
We can’t afford to be pastors who say, “Come, meet Jesus!” while we secretly feel far from Him ourselves.
You don’t need an inter-mission to start (although that’s where you may be led).
You don’t need silence on a mountaintop.
You need a chair.
You need a few minutes.
And you need a willingness to show up.
You need Jesus—not just to be your message, but to be your life.
You were not made to carry ministry alone.
You were made to walk with Jesus.
And friend, He is still near.
Closer than your breath.
Ready to meet you again.