Overcoming Ministry Challenges: How a Simple Prayer Changed My Perspective

This week, I had to have several difficult conversations in my ministry side gig. About two years ago, I became Co-Director of RuraLove, a ministry of the Goshen Baptist Association.

When I was first asked to step up from volunteer to Co-Director, I was excited—excited to serve in a practical way and to have the freedom and encouragement to share Jesus with people.

But over time, frustration crept in. Resentment followed.

Two major challenges stood out: volunteer chemistry and guest entitlement. Those were the subjects of my difficult conversations this week.

When I arrived, I was talking with a volunteer when I noticed a woman "pre-shopping"—a behavior we’ve repeatedly discouraged, especially with this particular guest. I was livid.

At the same time, I was debating whether to have a separate conversation with a volunteer about a lingering issue.

My instinct? Ignore both situations. But as I was getting ready for my shift, I remembered something a fellow pastor once told me:

"I pray that God will make me the coolest cucumber in the room."

That phrase stuck with me. He had shared it while advising me on a tough situation, and now, I needed that prayer.

So I prayed it. I still wanted to ignore everything. Then I saw the woman "pre-shopping" again, this time in the furniture area. That settled it—I needed to address it.

I prayed once more and approached her and the man with her. I calmly reminded her that we’d asked her multiple times not to do this. When she started to explain, I acknowledged her perspective but pointed out how her actions could be perceived. I asked for her cooperation.

To my surprise, she and her companion were receptive. Appreciative, even.

Since others were also pre-shopping, I made sure to address them as well to avoid singling her out.

Encouraged by this small victory, I decided to have that conversation with the volunteer. And you know what? She was grateful. We had a great talk.

Proverbs 15:1-2 says:

"A gentle answer will calm a person's anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger. Wise people use knowledge when they speak, but fools pour out foolishness."

Proverbs, part of the Bible’s Wisdom Literature, teaches us how to engage with one another.

I’ve heard it said that when someone yells in a meeting, they’ve already lost the room. These verses reinforce that—gentleness, kindness, and wisdom are far more effective.

Sounds a lot like the Fruit of the Spirit.

Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. To be patient. To be reconcilers.

It’s almost shocking how people respond when you approach them with kindness instead of anger. They expect confrontation, but they don’t quite know what to do when you’re calm, respectful, and patient.

What a testimony.

So here’s my challenge to you: Instead of yelling this week—only adding fuel to the fire—choose gentleness. Let your words glorify God.

Anyway, I was just thinking…