Press on after failure

After a significant ministry setback or failure, do you press on or fall back?

When I think of ministry failure, my mind immediately goes to Bible characters. So many heroes of faith made the most spectacular mistakes. Yet, with God’s help, they learned from their sin and mistakes.

There are two particular conflict situations I wish I had handled better. In hindsight, I realized I needed to ask better questions to understand rather than immediately speaking critically. I learned a lesson and pressed on where conflict resolutions are needed.

I learned the hard way that media interviews are usually manipulated to your disadvantage. I no longer give media interviews.

I invited leaders from many countries for an important planning meeting but I didn't provide time and space for the leaders to create the plan together. I learned that ownership comes through shared planning. Now I make time for this in meetings.

One of the problems with leadership is that mistakes are very public. Everyone notices them and reminds the leader. It can be hard to forgive yourself, put the mistake behind you and press on!

Believers through the ages have read the failures of David, Moses, Paul, Peter and many others. How public are their failures! Yet they pressed on and did amazing things with God’s help.

Scripture to ponder –

Philippians 3:14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Key Lesson: Practice giving thanks in all things, and as you fail, bring it to God. Then God invites you to press on!