I think back over all the mistakes I’ve made in ministry. Some make me grimace and say, “What in the world was I thinking?!” Others are kinda comical and make me laugh at my stupidity. Of course, the every-day bloopers is part of what makes this job so fun, too. Like the time I talked about Alaskan Moose (or something like that) strengthening their antlers during the spring in preparation for the fight for dominance in the fall. I said something like, “And the one with the smaller rack doesn’t get any!” Of course all the guys busted up laughing. There was no way I could play that one off and keep going like it never happened.
The funniest youth ministry blooper I’ve seen yet is here. (Thanks to Lexi in my youth group for the link!) This youth pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Parker, Colorado, was describing what happened when the biblical character Lot pitched his tents too close to Sodom and Gomorrah, but then the mother of all sermon blunders fell from a clear blue sky. Very funny.

But anyway, back to the issue at hand. I read today over at Perry Noble’s blog about his message to the church staff where he ministers. Handling our mistakes in ministry can be a difficult and confusing time, but I think he summarized it well:

#1 - If You Are Not Making Mistakes Then You Are Not Trying!
I can say that our mistakes here at NewSpring have came from people who love Jesus, love the church, love people–and are really trying to do what they think is right. In doing that we will drop the ball from time to time. However, that is OK–the church has played it safe for way too long.

#2 - Do Not Try To Hide The Mistake!
If you make a mistake then address it. We don’t do this many times in the church world, we “pray about it” and expect God to handle it. (Does it seem that at times we over spiritualize everything?) But the best thing to do when making a mistake is to address it!

#3 - Do Not Fear The Outcome
When you make [a mistake] you can count on the fact that your approval rating will drop in the public polls. Our job, however, is not to worship people–but to worship Jesus–to do what is right before doing what is easy…and trusting in a Sovereign God to take control.

#4 - The Only Bad Mistakes Are The Ones You Do Not Learn From
Uh, enough said, right?

The whole blog entry is worth reading. Check it out HERE.

• Handling criticism in ministry
• Time Out: Handling Conflicts
• Handling discipline at youth group
• Ten New Years resolutions for volunteer ministry
• Handling volunteers who are too busy for kids