If you've ever asked yourself, "What now?", you're not alone. 

When did we get boring? When did we decide that good enough was enough? When did we decide dying faithfully mattered more than living faithfully? How did we get here? We come from a rich heritage that breaks down barriers, surpasses expectations, and does what has never been done before. Somehow, we have allowed ourselves to be tamed… domesticated. However, the wild and unbridled nature of the Holy Spirit is still surging within us, longing to move us past the natural and experience the supernatural.

Ministry today is more challenging than ever, but we are not starting from scratch. We are building on the legacy of those who were faithful before us. However, in the midst of a changing world, it is worth asking ourselves: Is the greatest obstacle to the future growth of our churches not a loss of mission, but the paradigms we unwittingly cling to? Many of our ministry structures, designed with good intentions in another era, may be hindering the development of the next generation of bilingual and bicultural leaders God is raising up today. We honor the past, but we must also look to the future. Are we willing to consider a paradigm shift that honors our roots while boldly embracing the diversity of our present and future communities?

When was the last time you thought about giving up on your ministry call? Some ministers contemplate quitting ministry every Monday! Others have thought of leaving ministry at the onset of recurring conflicts. These, and other circumstances lead many to give up on ministry. Yet, others consider stepping away from ministry when they are unable to overcome their personal struggles. Leaders are not exempted from humanbrokenness expressed through personal insecurities, feelings of inferiority, and the need for love often seduces ministers to abandon their spiritual gifts and their ministry call for short-lived physical, sexual, emotional, or financial gratification as well. Some blindsided by personal brokenness may ignore early signs, keeping them hidden or believing they can overcome them on their own. But many ministers lack the personal training to prevail over their brokenness. Consequently, they do not seek help. On the other hand, some who are aware of their personal issues lack the tools to overcome them. These ministers and pastors lead the church. The church of Jesus Christ in the twenty-first century like the church in the first century will continue to be led by fallible God-fearing women and men. They will continue to serve in their communities knowing they have a call of God in their lives. They must do ministry resiliently.

One of the greatest satisfactions of ministry is knowing that the evangelistic progress we've achieved will outlive us. The church that was once planted with great effort and many tears will remain open and relevant as long as the pastor takes care to prepare successors who will continue to carry on the vision.