Set Your Hand to the Plough: Practical Advice for Gospel Ministers
#10 Enjoy the work
Here is my final piece of advice in this series, though I could easily go on: enjoy the work God has given you to do. Far too many ministers limp through their calling weighed down by burdens, frustrations, and complaints. But step back for a moment and remember what you’ve been entrusted with — there is no higher, richer, or more rewarding task in all the world.
A Work Beyond Compare
Think about it: you are preaching the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through that gospel, those whom God chose before the foundation of the world are called to Himself. They are forgiven of their sins. They are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. They are equipped for eternal glory.
How could anything be more wonderful than that? Paul put it so beautifully when he said to the Thessalonians: “You are my glory and my joy. You are my crown of rejoicing.” He looked at the fruit of grace in their lives, and his heart swelled with thanksgiving. Brother, that same joy is set before you in ministry. You get to see men and women changed by the Word of God that passes through your own lips.
The Word at Work
Never forget: if you are faithful, it is Christ Himself speaking through you when you preach His Word. The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God. That means every Sunday, the Lord of glory is addressing His people through your voice. What a staggering thought!
And through that Word, Christ is beautifying His bride. One image I love is this: every Lord’s Day is like a visit to God’s beauty parlor. Through the ministry of the Word, He is preparing His people for eternal splendor. Week by week, sermon by sermon, He is adorning His bride for glory.
The Reward of Joy
This is why seasoned ministers often look back with regret at their grumbling. Again and again, they’ll tell you: If only I knew how rewarding this work truly is, I would do it all over again without a single complaint.
Yes, ministry is hard. Yes, there are burdens. Yes, you will know discouragement. But all of it is eclipsed by the joy of seeing Christ’s grace at work in His people through your ministry. That joy will sustain you. That joy will guard you from bitterness. That joy will remind you why you started in the first place.
The Reward of Joy
So, my closing counsel is simple: enjoy the work. Enjoy the privilege of preaching Christ. Enjoy the wonder of watching lives transformed. Enjoy the glory of knowing that Christ is using even your flawed lips to prepare His people for eternity.
There is no higher calling. There is no greater joy.
This is the final post in a ten-part series offering honest, practical advice for those stepping into gospel ministry. If you’re wrestling with the call or navigating the early days of serving a church, may these reflections encourage you to persevere with faith, joy, and gratitude.
Oliver Allmand-Smith
Pastor of Trinity Grace Church, UK;
Trustee of International Reformed
Baptist Seminary, Mansfield, TX