Avoiding Pride in Christian Ministry

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Hello friends, and welcome back to my blog!

Hoping your week has been wonderful covered by God’s love for you.

Today I write about a subject that affects every one of us in some way, whether we are leaders in the church, volunteers in ministry, or simply followers of Christ seeking to serve others. That subject is pride in ministry.

Pride is one of those subtle sins that quietly creeps into our lives. It doesn’t always announce itself in arrogance or boasting. Sometimes it hides under the guise of hard work, success, or even spiritual growth. But unchecked, pride becomes one of the greatest stumbling blocks in Christian ministry.

Let’s begin by remembering what the Bible says in Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. Pride is not a small issue in God’s eyes. It is deadly because it shifts the focus away from God’s glory and onto ourselves.

In ministry, pride can take many forms. For example, it might show up when we start taking credit for the growth of a church or the success of a program. We may forget that every soul that comes to Christ does so because of the Spirit’s work, not our own eloquence or planning. We might begin comparing our ministry to others, secretly rejoicing when we look more fruitful or accomplished. Or we might start feeling indispensable, as if the church or ministry couldn’t survive without us.

But the truth is, ministry is not about us. It is not about our gifts, our name, or our reputation. It is about Christ and His kingdom. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. Even the greatest preacher or leader is simply a servant in God’s vineyard. We plant, we water, but God alone brings the increase.

Now, why is pride so dangerous in ministry? Because pride blinds us to our dependence on God. When pride takes root, we stop praying as earnestly, we stop seeking counsel, and we start trusting in our own abilities. Sisters in Christ, pride isolates us from both God and others. It breeds competition instead of unity, and it robs us of the humility that keeps us teachable and surrendered.

On the other hand, humility is the soil in which true ministry flourishes. Jesus modeled this perfectly. In John 13, He stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet—a task reserved for the lowliest servant. And then He said, “For I gave you an example, so that you also would do just as I did for you.” (John 13:15). If the Lord of all creation humbled Himself to serve, how much more should we?

The antidote to pride in ministry is a heart continually fixed on God’s glory. When we remember that every gift, every opportunity, and every ounce of fruit is a work of His grace, it is easier to walk in gratitude instead of self-exaltation. James 4:6 reminds us: But He gives a greater grace. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” God’s favor often comes into our lives and ministry, when we practice humility as the core representation of all we do.

So how do we guard ourselves against pride?

Here are three practical steps:

  1. Stay in the Word and Prayer. Pride thrives in self-reliance. But when we daily go to God in prayer and Scripture, we are reminded of our need for Him. A prayerful heart is a humble heart.
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  3. Surround Yourself with Accountability. Have people in your life who can speak truth to you, who can correct you, and who aren’t afraid to point out blind spots. Lone rangers are easy prey for pride.
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  5. Celebrate Others. Instead of competing, rejoice in the success of other ministries and leaders. When another church grows or another believer is honored, let it stir praise, not jealousy.
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Sisters, ministry is not about building our kingdom; it’s about building His. The error of pride is thinking that the spotlight belongs to us, but the reality is that all glory belongs to Jesus.

As I close today, I leave you with the words of John the Baptist in John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” That is the posture of a servant of Christ. When people see us, may they see less of us and more of Him.

Let’s be watchful of pride, quick to humble ourselves, and faithful to give God the glory in everything we do.

Thank you for joining me today. If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who might need this reminder. And let’s keep pressing forward in humility, serving with joy, and pointing others to Jesus.

God bless you, and I’ll see you in the next blog.

In Him,

Char

Source: Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org”s