Nov
04
2009
5 ways ENTITLEMENT kills ministry
Posted by Rich Kirkpatrick in Christian Life, Leadership
The death of vocational ministry’s effectiveness is summed up in one word: entitlement.
Entitlement is when those of who serve the local church as professional ministers operate for either goals that are not the mission of the Church or use methods and means that are not the way of the Church. Here are five ways I think this plays out.
- It is use of quid pro quo over ideals, people and process.
- It is demanding comfort, favors or status over mission.
- It is putting pride in position over loving people.
- It is narcissism setting in when a group of believers loves you.
- It is getting tired from protecting yourself rather than from giving yourself.
Any other ways entitlement creeps into ministry leadership?
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6. Believing your viewpoint & needs as the leader is more important than the needs of the tribe you lead.
#6…ouch.
There is a lot of wisdom in #5, Rich. Our work always takes energy–the question is whether we use that energy to benefit ourselves or others.
We are designed for work and I think we burn out when we look at work purely for self rather than a greater goal. Add to that being in a ministry setting and this can become toxic.