I'm very active in my church, as a Sunday School teacher, a leader in the Men's Ministry, AWANA (a children's outreach program; it's pretty cool), member of a couple of committees, running the projector on occasion, volunteering for various community outreach programs whenever I can, singing in the choir, and am part of the prayer ministry one hour a week and the entire Sunday morning service one weekend a month. In addition I'm a Gideon (hand out New Testaments and place Bibles in hotels, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, etc), and am the Treasurer of my camp. I'm also the admin of 3 Christian websites.
None of you know me, so understand I'm not blowing my own horn. I do want to serve and enjoy it very much. I've wondered though if I'm blocking someone else from a blessing. If you ask that people think "oh my goodness we're burning him out" and will go under-manned rather than ask for help. It bothers me. Have any of you ran across something like this, and how would you handle it?
2007-04-22 16:17:10 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To be honest I also realize I need to unbusy my life a little also.
2007-04-22 16:17:28 · update #1
I would suggest, if possible, that you take a little time off from all of the service and get alone with God to pray. You are saved by grace, not by works, so take some time and just enjoy the relationship you have with God and spend some time with friends too. After you have done this, you should know which tasks God wants you to continue and which ones you should leave to someone else. It's better to do one thing and do it well than to be a jack of all trades and master of none. Pray for all the ministries you think are undermanned if you cannot help. God can take care of that problem you know. :) I wish more Christians had your heart though. Most of them just go to church, sit in a pew, sing, pray, sometimes even sleep, and that's the extent of their service to God. It's sad.
2007-04-22 16:33:15 · answer #1 · answered by fuzz 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well if you have a family that is your service to God as well and if others are neglected because of that then that could be a problem. The thing is there is never to much service to God - That is unlimited. But it is how we manage our service is what the question should be. Just because one is not serving directly under the churches sanction doesn't mean one is not serving. I don't Serve at my temple any more due to too much hypocirsy and exploitation etc. But I never stop serving God in innumerable ways. It would have to be a introspective thing on your part. No one can really tell you this answer. Hope this helps.
2007-04-22 16:26:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As much as you enjoy what you're doing you're just doing fine. But when you come to think of needing a little time out that's something else.
I was exactly like you 5 years ago. Been in the ministry fulllllllll time. I was preaching, teaching, outreach leader, sunday shool teacher, women's ministry, mission, church secretary-treasurer, name it I'm in it. Until one day I was thinking "how does it feel to be in church just to sit, listen and pray without standing in front doing my part."
If you enjoy what you do now without neglecting other personal matters that includes your ministry to yourself then you're doing fine. But I tell you just when I thought the church needs me so much that it can't run without me I was very very very wrong. When I could no longer perform some of my duties because God allowed it to be then other people blossomed and performed greater things that I did not expect.
Take some time out. God wants you to. You will discover more and do greater works than before when you take some time out.
2007-04-24 03:09:41 · answer #3 · answered by celest5602 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Luke 10
41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
The question should be are you getting enough time with God. Ministry is great and you can bless many people but if it is not God's will that that ministry be filled by you than greater blessing can be denied. My best advise is go to God in prayer. Ask for his direction on what he wants you to do.
I am not doing nearly as much as you but I am getting burned out. There is a lot more going on in my personal life and I am cutting things back. Don't worry about what others think. There will always be those people who will find some way to view your decisions in a negative manner. It is how God views things that truly matters.
2007-04-22 16:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by linnea13 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well you have already answer your own question. The real question is what are you running from? or trying to prove? and how much is enough for you ? Because if you are not aware by now what belongs to you, belongs to you, therefore you nor I can block another's blessing, unless u have some controll issues, or addictive behaviors, they coincide with one another, and when i speak on addictive behaviors it does not have to be booze, or drugs, if you have a addictive personality that effects your whole being, therefore you don't necessarly have to use drugs, a person can use people places and things, even church as a excuse to not be honest with them selves, or those around them, so if you are haveing some personal issues, it might be time to address them, you say we don't know you, but every time some writes in this forum, we know you in essence. hopes this helps GOD bless.
2007-04-22 16:36:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you believe that your service is to God...and not to the particular church you belong to, then No, I don't think you can serve to much even though some others may definately benefit by being able to participate more. This question has to be between you and God. Pray..for yourself...and God will give you the answer.
2007-04-22 16:23:07 · answer #6 · answered by Poohcat1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there's nothing wrong with serving as long as it is not your addiction, it doesn't take away from your family life ,and others who want to serve are not being kept from it because you took the spot. but consider other knds of service out in the world with non christians who need to see examples of serving love and you may get the chance to share your faith with someone and lead them to Christ.
2007-04-22 16:29:25 · answer #7 · answered by Connie D 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You know when you come to Christ God gives you more life right? Well sounds like he's given you a lot of life!! Take what you can drop what you need to...it's all good
2007-04-22 16:25:56 · answer #8 · answered by † H20andspirit 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bible Thumper 24/7
2007-04-22 16:23:15 · answer #9 · answered by Gypsy Gal 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, it sounds like you are hiding from life. It's good to be devoted to a cause, but you have made it your entire life. You need balance.
2007-04-22 16:21:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋