When They Don’t Trust You (And You Don’t Trust Them)

Trust is one of the most difficult things to build in ministry. Not just earning people’s trust, but also trusting people. I am not sure the exact reason for it, but it is real. Silent criticism, unexpressed complaints, comparison to other ministries, the list of insecurities that try to cripple into my heart are endless.

How am I supposed to keep doing what God calls me to do when I struggle to trust and earn the trust of the people He has called me to minister? This is how ministry works, it requires high levels of vulnerability in an environment where people often have high (and sometimes unspoken) expectations.

In ministry, you aren't just judged on your skills, but on your character, your family, and your private life. That creates a natural defensive wall that makes "trusting others" feel like a safety risk. You must know you are called. I often land in simplicity when trying to make sense of the complexities of ministry.

For example, I think trust is a gift and not something I must earn. While credibility is built over time, I can’t force people to trust me. Sometimes, the healthiest move is to be consistently myself and let the "earning" happen at their pace, not mine. And many times, some people will never trust me.

Another thing I have to consistently remember is that my ability to lead does not depend entirely on people’s approval. When I have tried to lead that way I burn out. I must remember I have been called by God. My trust is in the Lord who called me. This calling is affirmed by God through the Church and leaders above me. If I am ever out of line then that’s a different story. The call keeps me focused. If the call is certain, the fluctuations of the people become "weather" rather than "climate."
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Insecurities thrive in the dark. But when we learn to identify those as intruders, our identity will be protected. If you have been called, stay focused. Lead with confidence. Take the break. Send the text. Make the phone call. Call the meeting. But above all things, preach the Gospel.

'12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. '
-Philippians 3:12-14

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