One of the most beautiful aspects of ministry is relationships. We get to walk alongside people through some of the hardest and most joyful seasons of life. We get to rejoice in victories, mourn in loss, and witness God’s faithfulness in real and tangible ways. There is profound privilege in being entrusted with the care of others’ hearts.
And yet, ministry carries a subtle but persistent danger. It can be easy to forget the gospel-centered purpose of our work. We can begin to treat people as the point instead of the vehicle. Sometimes, ministry becomes a way to prove our worth, to control outcomes, or to feel needed. We may fall into the trap of a savior complex, believing that our work alone can heal, fix, or save. In those moments, we risk turning a good thing into a god thing.
Ministry requires intentionality, humility, and dependence on God. Our work is not ultimately about programs, attendance, or even the measurable spiritual growth of others. It is about faithfully pointing people to Christ. Leadership in the church is not self glorifying; it is a stewardship of relationships and a reflection of God’s character. When we anchor our hearts in that truth, ministry becomes freeing rather than exhausting. We love, guide, and shepherd not because we must produce fruit, but because we are faithful to the One who produces it.
Scripture reminds us that God alone is the Savior. Paul exhorts the Corinthians, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). This verse is a lifeline for ministry leaders. We are called to sow and water, to shepherd and guide, but the transformative work belongs to God alone. When we forget this, we begin to carry burdens that are not ours to bear, and ministry can turn into performance or pride.
Practical steps for maintaining gospel-centered, intentional ministry include:
First, examine your heart regularly. Ask yourself why you are leading. Are you seeking to glorify God and serve His purposes, or are you looking for affirmation, control, or a sense of significance? Reflect, pray, and seek accountability with trusted mentors who will speak truth in love.
Second, set boundaries wisely. Shepherding is relational work that requires emotional, spiritual, and physical presence. We cannot give what we do not have. Protecting your rhythms of rest and study is not neglect, it is faithfulness to the One who called you.
Third, remain dependent on God. Every conversation, every meeting, every counseling moment must start in prayer and humility. Leadership that depends on our skill alone is fragile, but leadership dependent on God is steady.
Fourth, celebrate God’s work, not your own. When growth, healing, or breakthrough happens, point to Him. Let your leadership be defined by faithfulness rather than results.
Finally, remember your role as a shepherd. Your work is to point hearts to Jesus. Whether in small groups, counseling moments over coffee, or casual conversations about life, your calling is to guide, nurture, and equip others in their faith journey while recognizing that the fruit belongs to God. People are the ministry. Jesus is the point.
Ministry is sacred and demanding. Walking with people through life’s joys and sorrows is a unique privilege, and the front row seat we have to all that God is doing is why we show up day after day. When we remember that people are the ministry and Jesus is the point, we can lead with joy, humility, and intentionality. Ministry then becomes a faithful stewardship of relationships, a reflection of God’s love, and a participation in His redemptive work. We are called not to save, but to point, not to fix, but to shepherd, and in doing so, we bear witness to the One who alone transforms hearts just like ours.
Posted on November 7, 2025
Jacki C. King is a respected and beloved Bible teacher, author, and dedicated ministry leader. Her passion involves guiding women toward a deep love for Jesus and His Word, encouraging them to embrace their mission in their homes, workplaces, and communities. She is the author of “The Calling of Eve: How Women of the Bible Inspire the Women of the Church” (Tyndale 2022). A proud native Texan, Jacki serves alongside her husband Josh, who serves as Lead Pastor of their local church, and their three boys. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Ministry to Women from Criswell College, and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Connect with Jacki on Twitter and Instagram at @JackiCKing
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