Have you ever wrestled with whether or not there was a fit between you and a particular ministry place or role? Were those struggles more pronounced early in your ministry or later? Have you ever thought something was a workable fit, only to find out some time into your service there that it was not? How important is it to find a fit or match between you and a particular ministry setting or role?
Some Observations From Scripture – Reflecting on the Biblical narrative, it seems there is not clear direction concerning the importance of fit. There are people in Scripture whose background made them a good fit for what God called them to, and there are those who seem called from a certain life mode and setting to a very different one for ministry. The Bible affirms practical wisdom and the idea of preparation and strengths-appropriate work, while it simultaneously stresses God empowering us beyond our natural abilities and what normally would make sense to us. Some key issues seem to be obedience, God’s call, and God’s empowering. People point to the Apostle Paul’s background that made him a great fit for what God called him to do, yet this same Apostle wrote, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22b ESV)” That sounds a lot like accommodation rather than only ministering to people with whom he “fit.” The same Apostle wrote in Philippians 2 of the self-emptying of Christ and our call to eschew self-insistence for others. In fact, it seems ministry demands self-sacrifice and accommodation, the supreme example of which is the Incarnation of our Lord. My conclusion from Scripture is that there is everything right about considering ministry fit, but we also must be prepared for God to make surprising assignments and enable us to carry out that work.
Some Practical Observations – Earlier, I asked about your experience with the issue of ministry match. Have you ever observed a poor ministry fit? What did it look like, and what were the effects? Think about culture-specific ministries. Whatever your convictions about the relative legitimacy of niche ministry, people familiar with a certain culture have an easier time connecting with people in that culture. A pastor friend once reflected with admiration on his son’s ability to relate to and disciple skaters and BMXers while admitting he would not know how to connect with that subgroup. Conversely, I think of a friend who retired from being a high-profile oil executive and went with his wife into the jungles of Brazil to reach indigenous people with solid success. You may have similar stories on both sides of the issue, and you may have known people who would say of a season of ministry, “I never would have seen myself in that role or place, but God blessed and it was very rewarding.” Again, practical observations lend credence both the importance of fit and the possibility of working outside of what one might perceive as a ministry match.
What we Mean by Fit – One central factor in the importance of ministry fit is the matter of what we are talking about when we speak of ministry fit or match. Fit in some respects may be more important than in others, and we must consider relative closeness of fit.
Personal Style, Taste, and Setting Preference – Ministry often involves accommodation and learning to work in a somewhat different culture. Particularly if you are in seminary or are going to a mission field, your preference in clothing, foods, size of town to live in, mode of dress, etc. is not a huge issue.
Abilities, Training, and Personal Characteristics – Having examined strengths and weaknesses in other posts, it will suffice to say that a fit between the minister’s capacities and the nature and demands of the position and setting is important. A person may desire a position or feel called to a vocation for which he or she simply does not have the capacity, at least at the present time. (This is not to suggest God does not call people to serve beyond their capacity apart from His power, but it is a real consideration when we think about fit.)
Education Level, Mental Functioning, and Innovation – A minister who thinks ably, is very educated, is innovative and creative, etc. will encounter difficulty connecting with and leading a congregation that does not value innovation, education, or intelligence. With might address each of these individually, because, despite their commonalities, they are not identical, nor is a congregation’s response to them. A minister may be very educated and learn not to show too much of that in dealing with the people. A minister may be creative and innovative without being overly educated, or vice versa. The point is that differences in any or all of these areas may be more or less important depending on the congregation and the minister, as well as how these differences are handled. Of the three, I suspect mind and heart for innovation may be the most important aspect of fit.
Theology and Core Convictions – Obviously, if one is going into a mission field, there will be a difference in theology between the minister and the people, but in an established church or parachurch ministry, alignment in key theological issues and core convictions is vital. Approach to the Scriptures, doctrinal convictions, and basic understandings about how the church relates to the world and carries out its mission are foundational pieces where fit is very important. Minor differences on non-essential beliefs may provide fertile ground for discussion and growth, but core issues should align.
“Leadership Esprit” – In Church Unique, Will Mancini uses this term to refer to the leadership and ministry passion of church leaders. The longer I pastor, the more important I believe is the fit or match between a minister’s leadership esprit and the congregation’s heart. A mismatch will result in frustration in the people and the minister, expending the minister’s life and effort in potentially the wrong setting.
As we think about ministry fit, we have to consider things like fit between our self and the position, the people in the church or ministry, and the setting of that ministry. There are multiple factors to take into account, and the issue may not be as straightforward as we would like, but the above reflections should help, and we will look at additional factors in my next post.