Navigating Ministry Egos as They Search for Success

Oh how we love to compare and boast! Yes, I’m talking about us...Christian believers, pastors and church leaders. Somewhere we got the idea that “Bigger really is Better.” We flock to “Church Growth” conferences to see how it’s done. Though the mega-church concept didn’t come about until the late 1970’s, modern churches have set their standard for success as size. According to research, once a church reaches a certain size, it becomes self-generating…attracting more and more people by its sheer numbers. Following this trend, ministry egos scream out, “Me too! I wanna be bigger and better!”

It’s called the Ego…the Latin word for “I.” It’s the center of personal self-esteem and confidence.The Ego is also a hunter…ever searching for success and affirmation. Success incorporates the idea of having reached a standard of achievement. Affirmation is the validation of our success. In other words, we need proof of how successful we really are. But oh how ministry egos need to be navigated according to God’s standards for success! Here’s what I’m talking about:

1. Reset Your Compass to what God Considers Success. In God’s eyes, success has everything to do with being faithful over an assignment. As in Jesus’ parable of the talents in Matt. 25:14-30, God gives to each person according to his own ability. (Some can’t handle that truth!) But their assignments are the same… “Increase what you have been given.” Tragically, the ministry ego interprets “increase” to mean congregation size rather than Christian maturity (Eph. 4:11-16).

2. Steer away from the Inflated Ego. The inflated ego says, “Look what God did through ME! You can’t instruct me because I’m the model of success.” In other words, “It’s All About Me and my successes!” Unless the inflated ego is navigated properly, its desire for success subtly turns into the desire for preeminence. And that will end in the total collapse of your “successful” church!

3. Likewise, steer away from the Deflated Ego. The deflated ego says, “Look at how small MY church is. What am I doing wrong? Maybe I’m not a good pastor and don’t have what it takes.” In other words, “It’s All About ME and my lack of success!” Unless the deflated ego is navigated properly, it subtly moves into idolatry…looking to men rather than to Jesus as a role model.

4. So, What Does This Mean for You?

♦ If You’re the Pastor of a Mega-church: It’s NOT about you…it’s about God and His people! You have to work harder to keep your ego in check (Prov. 27:21). Since your assignment is Eph 4:11-16 and Matt. 28:19-20, make sure people grow spiritually…not just attend church.

♦ If You’re a Member of a Mega-church: Your church is NOT superior because of its size. You have to work harder at not getting lost in the crowds and at assisting your pastor to make ministry personal and caring for each member and each family.

♦ If You’re the Pastor of a Smaller Church: It’s NOT about you…it’s about God and His people! Make sure your ego isn’t affected by the small numbers. Look to Jesus as your role model. He limited himself to 12 men…and the world was changed by those He sent out!

♦ If You’re a Member of a Smaller Church: Your church is NOT inferior because of its size. Make sure you don’t assume your pastor can do the work of the ministry all by himself. Acts 1:8 is just as valid for you as it is for a church of thousands.

So, which are better…bigger or smaller? And which pastor is more successful? The answer is a question. Which one fulfills their assignment by being faithful over what God gave to them?

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