When It Feels Like Your Ministry Isn't Supported
Early in my ministry, a boys leader came into my office demanding money for training and trips. The problem was we didn't have it. I would have loved to write him a blank check, but that was never going to happen.
His complaint, though, wasn't really about money. It was that he didn't feel supported.
I've felt that way too. I see pastors, especially kids' pastors, voice the same frustration on social media, and I get it. Sometimes you just need a shoulder to cry on. But a pastor at another church can't solve your problem. Only you and your leadership can. Here's what I suggest.
1. You may be right, but don't be discouraged. You're doing a great work.
Your ministry may genuinely not be a priority right now. Leadership gave you some money, a room, and a mission, and they expect you to run with it. But you have big vision and limited resources.
It's easy to adopt a victim mentality. You can sit with that frustration for a little while, but don't let it take root. As Nehemiah said, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down." (Nehemiah 6:3) So are you.
The people in your church may not see your effort. But the people you minister to week in and week out do. Focus on what you have and do the best you can with it. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the servant with one talent had a choice: hide it, or invest it. Jesus was clear about which one mattered. Those faithful with little are trusted with much.
2. The church has other priorities, so define what support actually looks like.
The boys leader came to me the week before VBS asking for time and money. I had nothing to give him, not for at least two more weeks. It wasn't about him. I had other fires burning.
Your leadership does too.
Instead of crying foul, get specific. "I don't feel like a priority" is a feeling, not a request. Follow it up with what you actually need. Come with solutions, plural, because what you're asking for may not be available right now, but something else might be.
When I finally drilled down with my boys leader, his real ask was simple. He wanted me to teach a Bible lesson once a month. I was happy to do that. It cost nothing. He just needed to say it.
When you go to your pastor with a concern, also bring options.
3. You are the advocate for your ministry.
You know why the worship ministry tends to get the best equipment? Because the pastor is in there every week. And you know where they're not? Your room.
They may not know the projector is dim, the sound is poor, or the carpet needs replacing. They visit occasionally, but rarely while ministry is actually happening.
So instead of venting to anyone who'll listen, go to the people who can actually do something. Invite your leadership into your space. Show them what's broken. Cast vision for what you want to build.
You might be thinking, "They should just know!"
I hear you. But they don't know. Not unless you tell them. You are the advocate for your ministry, and it's your job to make the case.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. That ministry you're envious of may have everything they need simply because they asked and you haven't. So speak up in staff meetings, budget meetings, and planning meetings. Leaders reward vision. Keep casting it.
It's like the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). She kept coming back until the judge acted. Your pastor, hopefully, isn't unjust. But silence isn't the answer either.
Bitterness is exactly what the enemy wants. He'd love nothing more than for you to stop doing kingdom work. Don't play the comparison game. Do your best with what you have, try to see the big picture, and speak up about what you need.
Your ministry may not have been a priority before. Do these three things, and it soon will be.
