Never believe the lie that you’re someone special. You’re a servant. You are like grass. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Never make your fading life the focus of your ministry. Put the attention on what matters most and will last the longest.

“You’re just the kind of pastor this church needs,” we hear. “With your gifts I can’t see how this church won’t double in the next few years.”

As pastors, we love to hear this. Our gifts will make the difference. We have what it takes. Our personality, our leadership abilities will make a difference.

The most effective lies contain some truth. God chooses to use people, and God seems to use some pastors in more visible ways than others.

But it’s still a lie. It’s not up to you. You don’t have what it takes, and that’s good news for all of us.

How God Builds the Church

God could have ordained powerful personalities to build the church. Instead, God has chosen the ordinary means of grace: things like the preaching of the Word, prayer, the fellowship of believers, the Lord’s Supper, and more.

We play a role, but at best our role is a supporting one. We’re never center stage. We are nothing more than servants, never more than fingers pointing at one who is greater than us. He must increase; we must decrease.

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