Another last minute change leads to a technical meltdown. Technology budgets are slashed while expectations rise. Those serving under you simply don't give their all when you are responsible for the results. That other staff person or pastor seems to think his or her ministry is more important than your own. Church technology servants encounter multiple opportunities for bitterness to creep into their hearts and their thinking. When it does, it becomes a cancer that not only destroys the initial victim, but harms the church – the body of Christ as it spreads. This article presents a few thoughts on preventing bitterness from taking over your heart as you serve God in church technology ministry.
Constantly Evaluate Your Motives – Our primary motive for what we do in church technology is to worship God and give Him glory (1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17, Ephesians 3:21). Proper secondary motives include the desire to build up of the body of Christ with our gifts (Romans 12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12) and being a Christ-like servant (Mark 10:35-45, Matthew 20:20-28, Philippians 2:1-11). Improper motives that will serve as foundations for bitterness include: seeking glory and recognition for yourself and “excellence” for its own sake.
Participate in Biblical Community – It may sound obvious, but the Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Within the Biblical community of the local church, we can find the care, encouragement, correction, and accountability that keep us spiritually healthy (Hebrews 3:12-13). This can take the form of small groups, Sunday school, or even something less structured; but it is essential for church tech servants to participate in Biblical community with those outside of “tech world”, as they will be able to detect the signs of bitterness in our hearts long before those who “understand” the struggles we encounter regularly. We must lovingly hold one another accountable for sinful thinking - this is a primary way that we love one another as the church (Galatians 6:1-10).
Work Hard to Cultivate Healthy Relationships Before Conflict Occurs – Conflict will happen; this is an unfortunate reality of our fallen world. If healthy relationships, those in which trust and good communication have been cultivated, are already in place when conflict does arise, the issues can be discussed openly between friends.
Actively Resolve Conflicts As They Arise – Matthew 18 is our guide to understanding this principle. Following the process described there will root out conflict before it becomes a growing cancer of bitterness in your heart. Learning to deal with conflict Biblically is essential for every believer, though this skill is perhaps especially vital in technology ministry because of the high-stress and high stakes nature our service.
Avoid the “Savior Complex” Mentality - God can and will work through means other than us accomplish his mission of redeeming his lost creation. The Scriptures are full of examples of this. We honor God most by taking appropriate rest, setting agreed upon boundaries under the shepherding leadership of those we serve under, and never mistakenly believing that “church” can't happen without us. One symptom that this is going well in your ministry is if you are constantly training up members of the body such that if you were gone, the life of the church would go on.
What have been your experiences? How have you worked against bitterness in your ministry? Leave a comment below and join the conversation!
