Discerning God’s Will For Your Ministry is one of the most important and challenging aspects of being a church leader. As pastors and ministry leaders, we often wrestle with the challenge of distinguishing between our personal desires and God’s divine will. Ministry can sometimes feel like a balancing act—wanting to serve effectively while ensuring we’re actually walking in obedience to His calling. The reality is, our plans don’t always align with His purpose. When they don’t, we must be willing to surrender what we want in favor of what He is directing us to do.

The Illusion of Busyness in Ministry

Being active in ministry doesn’t necessarily mean we’re operating in God’s will. Many leaders stay busy, pouring their time into church programs, events, and responsibilities, yet never stop to ask, “Is this what God truly wants me to do?”It’s easy to confuse activity with obedience. But doing a lot for God isn’t the same as doing what He asked. The question we must continually ask is, “Am I following His voice or just keeping myself occupied?” If you are truly discerning God’s Will For Your Ministry, it requires more than just staying busy—it requires clarity and intentionality.

The Path of Purpose Over Comfort

Human nature seeks the easiest route. We like predictability, stability, and success. But God’s path isn’t always the smoothest—it’s the one that refines us.

Throughout Scripture, those whom God called didn’t always get an easy assignment:

• Moses didn’t want to return to Egypt, but God sent him to lead Israel out of bondage.
• Jonah ran in the opposite direction of Nineveh, yet God redirected him to fulfill His purpose.
• Paul was willing to suffer imprisonment because he knew God had called him to preach to the Gentiles.

Discerning God’s Will For Your Ministry means understanding that God’s will is often uncomfortable, but it is always full of purpose.

Jesus' Model of Submission

In His earthly ministry, Jesus continually submitted to the Father’s will, setting the ultimate example for us. When teaching the disciples to pray, He emphasized surrender:

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

Ministry isn’t about making our plans work for God—it’s about aligning our hearts to His. Every day, we must ask ourselves, “Am I truly seeking His will, or am I asking Him to bless what I already decided to do?” This is a key question when discerning God’s Will For Your Ministry.

When Our Desires Compete with God’s Will

It’s not always easy to discern when our own ambitions are competing with God’s direction. Here are some signs that we might be pursuing what we want instead of what God has planned:

• We resist change, even when doors are closing.
• We feel a loss of peace in our current role, but we push through anyway.
• We avoid seeking counsel from others because we fear they’ll confirm what we don’t want to hear.

God’s will doesn’t always align with what we think makes sense. That’s why He calls us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). When we stop trying to force our plans and trust His leading, He will reveal His purpose in His perfect time.

When God Shakes Things Up

Sometimes, church leaders become so comfortable in their current position that they stop listening for what’s next. In these cases, God will shake things up to get their attention.

• He may close a door that once seemed secure.
• He may stir discontent in their spirit about where they are.
• He may allow circumstances that force them to reevaluate their calling.

These shifts aren’t punishment—they’re divine redirection. When God is calling us into a new season, He often removes our ability to stay where we are. Instead of resisting, we must recognize it as His way of leading us forward. Discerning God’s Will For Your Ministry means being sensitive to these shifts and responding in faith.

Trusting God in the Transition

When unexpected changes come, we have two choices: fight against them or embrace them. God never removes something without having a greater plan. When we surrender our future to Him, He will open the right doors in His timing.

• Don’t fear change—God is in control.
• Don’t cling to comfort—be willing to step out in faith.
• Remember: It’s not about where you want to be, but where He wants to take you.

Final Thoughts

Discerning God’s Will For Your Ministry is an ongoing journey, one that requires humility, discernment, and trust. When we prioritize obedience over our own preferences, we find peace and purpose. Ministry isn’t about staying where it’s comfortable—it’s about going where He leads. If God is prompting a shift in your life, don’t resist. Trust that His way is always better than yours.

About Pastor James Smith

Pastor James Smith, Valparaiso, Indiana – Founder of PreachIt.org, OpportunityHope.org, and PastoralHelps.com.

He equips pastors worldwide with sermons, leadership tools, and encouragement, while also caring for orphaned and at-risk children in West Bengal, India through OpportunityHope. Beyond the orphanage and school, OpportunityHope provides clean water wells, livestock, and other humanitarian helps to families and villages in need. Additional books, leadership training, and mentoring resources are available through PastoralHelps.com.