Although I have been in ministry for over 20 years, I have not resigned from many positions. Let me clarify that I was not fired either. I have not resigned from a church position in 3 years. With that said, it’s time I announce some things from which I resign.
I RESIGN from trying to preach sermons that will leave everyone being met at their point of need. God will use one for a specific group/person one week and do the opposite for another.
I RESIGN from feeling like I have to compete with all the bigger churches in town. We can only do the best we can with the resources God has given us. God did not call me to be the pastor down the road, nor did He call our church to be like any other church.
I RESIGN from trying to operate outside my giftedness. I cannot help how God has gifted me. If it is not enough for someone, that is perfectly fine. It just might meet the need of someone else.
I RESIGN from trying to be there for everyone else while neglecting my emotional and spiritual health in the process. I’m not saying that I will stop ministering to others. What I am saying is that the burden of ministry has drained me at this stage of my life, and I will work harder to make sure that I have the spiritual nourishment I need so that I am not attempting to minister from an empty place.
Some may read this with a spirit of judgment while others will connect, even if you are not a pastor or church leader. My prayer is that whoever you are and whatever you do, God will use this to set you free as He is doing in my life.
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
Having served in the full-time ministry for 22 years I can only say Amen. We are called to be faithful with what God has given us and the results are with Him. In the end we will stand before the Judge of The Earth and He will be using a different yardstick than the world uses to bring that judgment.
Having been in ministry myself, I totally get your points on all accounts. Good for you! 🙂 Sometimes as ministers, you find yourself pouring out so much of yourself onto others that you’re left feeling depleted, drained and empty inside if you don’t give any room to be refreshed. Serving others is supposed to be a joyus thing; however, let’s be real, it can be a pain as well and people need to understand that even those that minister are simply humans who also have basic needs like everyone else. There is no sin in simply being “real” with yourself. 🙂 Stay Blessed Pastor! – Sherline 🙂
By resigning from these things you just became stronger to do as the Lord wills! Well Done!
Praying for you, Matthew! As long as you are where God wants you to be that’s all that matters! He loves you no matter what!
No one should judge you, and if they do, then I pray that God deals with the judgement in their hearts. If God is leading you to resign, then He is, and no one has the right to judge you when it comes to this decision. I pray blessings over you as you continue in your walk with Christ, and when one door closes, another one will open! Never lose faith, for His compassions will never fail!
God bless you! 🙂
Thank you, as always, for your encouraging words! They are always a blessing.
God has truly blessed you with Spiritual gifts dear friend. If the only purpose of your blog was to encourage my pastor husband and myself for a season, your words were truly worth the effort; comforting and inspiring us and others. Proverbs 3:5,6 is leading you and with that being said, wherever God directs your paths, you will always be in service to Him. Blessings back, ❤
I praise the Lord for allowing us to connect through WordPress. As God keeps giving me written messages, I will keep sharing. I want to go out serving.
I seriously think everyone can relate to this and it is important we know our limits and where God places us to be. I’m going to share this on the Community Spotlight for Inside Cup.