Saying “No” to Ministry Opportunities

You can say “No” to ministry opportunities. 

I believe it goes against the grain, sometimes, as Christian leaders. Or perhaps it’s just my struggle in the whole saying no thing. 

Serving God, God's servant, full plate

God, Husband and Kids. In that order. I’m a wife and mother. My calling is to have a close relationship with God first, second is to be the wife God has called me to be and third is to be the mother I’m called to be. Ministry falls under that. 

Yes, I can work in ministry as long as those first three things are taken care of first. 

I have noticed when I put too much on my plate, I get overwhelmed and the quality of the work I’m able to put into anything is much lower. 

So as I give myself a pep talk, as I remind myself that it is okay to say no to ministry opportunities, I want to extend that to you. I want to encourage you. 

It’s fine to talk about saying no but how do you really put it into action? 

 

1. Pray about it. 

Communicate with God about the opportunity at hand. Ask God to guide your heart in this decision. Even if it is a great opportunity, perhaps your plate is already full and it’s best to let someone else do it. 

God doesn’t want us to work ourselves to the point of being exhausted and overwhelmed. 



2. Know Who You Are


Know who you are in Christ. Sometimes we take on more responsibility in an effort to be liked, to have a higher standing with someone, or simply out of fear that we will loose a friendship, title, or make someone upset. Know who you are in Christ. Let God guide what ministries you work in. Your value comes from God alone; not in how many ministries you can work in. 

3.  Remember Your True Calling 


If we keep our priorities where they need to be, if we keep our schedule in a good place – not overwhelmed –  we allow ourselves to see and hear from God on what our true calling for ministry should be. Then we can buckle down on that one ministry opportunity that God really wants us to do. 

There will always be a need. We can not just step up to meet every need out there. We will exhaust ourselves. Let us live a life that is flexible for God. Let us live in such a way that we allow God to shatter our schedules, our need for a title and allow Him to guide us. 

In the end, you know what is truly best for you and your family. Keep that your priority. 

Blessings, 

Starla 

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