Imposter Syndrome in Ministry

Matheus Silva

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed or anxious about being in a position that you feel you don't deserve?

Maybe a leader suddenly left and you were being prepared to take on more responsibility, but now you have to step up and take the lead.

Maybe you took on a ministry without understanding the full scope of what your ministry encompasses.

Maybe you are very talented but every time you see an amazing musician or preacher on YouTube you suddenly feel insecure about your skills.

This crisis of confidence is called imposter syndrome and it can hinder your growth and open a wound that can be exploited by the enemy.

Now, there are many amazing articles and conversations online that have exhaustively spoken about imposter syndrome in ministry and I prefer to turn this post into a message of encouragement for those that might be going through imposter syndrome.

I personally have felt the insecurity that comes with imposter syndrome.

I felt that I would never reach the level that many Christian musicians have reached.

I felt that my lack of skill would hinder the growth of the ministry as a whole.

When I tried to implement something new or modernize something that might have been a little more traditional I was always met with side eyes and (in rare cases) direct criticism of a whole hearted and humble effort to better a ministry.

But I found confidence in Jesus...

...and you can too

Remember that when you try to promote growth or change in a whole hearted and honest manner within a ministry you will be met with detractors.

Unfortunately people get accustomed with the way things are and become closed to new experiences.

When we are met with this push back we suddenly doubt ourselves.

Sometimes we have a bad day, nothing goes well and all of a sudden our confidence becomes doubt.

But be strong and place your trust in the Lord.

Pray for His guidance and His comfort.

Ask in faith for His plans to be fulfilled.

Doubt is a slippery slope that leads to rash decisions.

Confidence is firm ground that leads to calm and deliberate decisions.

If we place our faith and confidence in the Lord, He will work through us. (Phillipians 2:13)

We can't fear because that's literally not in our DNA as believers. (2 Timothy 1:7)

The Lord is with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9) and with His guidance no attack from the enemy can prevail against His grand plan for us and our ministry.

If you have a moment, and you are currently facing imposter syndrome, pray for confidence.

Pray for the Lord to lead the way and take away any self doubt that can harm your growth.

Pray for God to give you the patience and wisdom to deal with those who criticize and ridicule you.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14) and His works are wonderful. YOU ARE WONDERFUL.

Your talent can grow and people will learn to trust your decisions but you can't doubt Gods plan for your life.

You are exactly where He wants you to be, there are no imposters in the Kingdom of Heaven.

If you put your faith in the Lord I promise that each and everyday that passes you will be a little more experienced and confident.

Don't forget, everyone starts somewhere.

Matthew was a tax collector, Rahab was a prostitute, Peter was a fisherman, David was a shepherd, Deborah was a judge.

God uses anybody from any background to accomplish His work, you might receive a calling from the Lord and feel that you are not ready, but the Lord knows your heart and He knows that His understanding of you outweighs your own understanding.

Our job is to just have faith and trust in Him.

God bless you and never forget, lead with the confidence given to you by our Lord and savior!