Easter week can be a bit of a whirlwind. Pastors and church leaders can get so deep into the details and planning for all that is going to happen this weekend that we can lose sight of some big picture truths in the midst of the hustle.
So, let’s take a moment and review twelve truths about who we are, what God has called us to do, and what our role is in the grand, redemptive work of God.
1. God’s love for you is not dependent upon everything in your ministry area going right this weekend. His love for you is rooted in the finished work of Christ we’ll celebrate together, not the fulfillment of your plans and expectations.
2. God loved you before He knew you were going to go into ministry (and before you were even born!). Nothing that happens this weekend, good or bad, changes His love for you.
3. The same Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives in you–you are not working in your own power this week. Do not neglect humbly opening your hands before God and asking Him to make you more dependent on Him this week.
4. You are serving people made in the image of God this weekend, not just putting on an event. God will be glorified and people will be served when you focus more on the souls in your care than the details of your plans.
5. It’s okay if you’re just “not feeling it” sometimes. The tomb is still empty, and Jesus is still alive! Sometimes we don’t experience the deep affections and beauty of worship until we faithfully show up, even when we don’t feel like it.
6. Your presence and Christlike love matter more than all of your plans working out perfectly. As C. S. Lewis says, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Everyone with whom you interact is created and loved by God, and they are more important than your expectations or plans.
7. The gospel is for you, too–not just for the people you will minister to this weekend! Ministry leaders need the truth of the gospel just as much as the people to whom they minister. Put on your own oxygen mask before you help others!
8. Being tired and being faithful are not mutually exclusive. Jesus knows this. Do you?
9. We may not see the fruit of the seeds that are planted this weekend for years, and that’s okay. God handles the harvest; we faithfully sow the seed.
10. Whatever fruit we see this weekend is the result of God’s work, not ours, even as much as our work matters. Our labor is important, but not ultimate. We can trust God to faithfully honor our work.
11. Our staff may never hear about some of the most impactful moments that take place this weekend. Unseen and unreported acts of lovingkindness and life change still count–God knows and honors our faithfulness even if we never hear about the fruit of our labor.
12. The resurrection of Jesus began to change the world over 2000 years ago, and it won’t stop when we lock up after this weekend is over. This Easter weekend, some will be moved by the message of the gospel for the first time after hearing it dozens of times; yet others will hear it for the first time. God will work in their hearts even once we “clock out.”
Take some time this week to share these truths with your staff if you find them helpful. It’s important for us not to get so caught up in the events of Easter weekend and ministry details that we forget who we are, what God has called us to do, and the roles we play in God’s kingdom work. We have to remember that our work is important, but not ultimate, and that God will honor our faithfulness even if we never hear of its fruit.
In case you missed yesterday's prayer prompts for Easter week, spend a few moments praying for yourself and your church.
