Ministering Through a Tough Season

by Steve Spence

Every pastor faces seasons that feel heavy—when the excitement has faded, energy is low, and ministry feels more like endurance than joy. Sometimes it’s because of disappointment, conflict, burnout, or simply the weight of unmet expectations. Ministry doesn’t always go the way we hoped or prayed it would, and when things get tough, it’s easy to wonder if we’re doing something wrong or if we’re even making a difference.

Psalm 42:11 (CSB) says, “Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Even the psalmist felt the weight of discouragement but refused to let it define his faith. Seasons of struggle are not signs of failure—they are invitations to press deeper into dependence on God.

When I find myself walking through a tough season, I’ve learned a few simple but necessary steps that help me stay grounded:

First, I spend intentional time with the Lord to keep my emotions in check. When my heart feels restless, I don’t rush past it—I bring it to Him. Prayer in those moments becomes less about fixing the situation and more about letting God realign my heart with His peace.

Second, I seek an outside perspective. Sometimes it takes another set of eyes to help you see clearly when the fog of ministry sets in. Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.”Wise counsel brings clarity and stability when emotions try to take over.

Finally, I do what I can to stop writing stories in my head about the situation. It’s easy to assume motives, fill in blanks, and create narratives that may not be true. The enemy loves to amplify those lies in seasons of weakness. Romans 12:18reminds us, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Sometimes that means choosing grace over assumptions and peace over reaction.

But here’s what I’ve had to learn the hard way: a tough season doesn’t mean you’re done. Most of us don’t respond well to hard things—especially in ministry. When the pressure builds and the results don’t show, discouragement can quietly grow into depression, anxiety, or a paralyzing fear of failure. Those moments can feel like pits that swallow your joy and passion. That’s why awareness matters. If you sense that happening, it’s okay to slow down, talk to someone, or take a break. You’re not weak for needing rest—you’re wise for recognizing it. God still has purpose for you, even in the hard places.

Every pastor will face tough seasons—it’s part of leading and loving people in a broken world. But those seasons don’t define your calling; they refine it. They strip away self-reliance and remind us that ministry has always been about Him, not us.

When ministry feels heavy, remember—your worth isn’t tied to outcomes, attendance, or approval. It’s anchored in the One who called you and promised to finish the work He began in you.

If you’re walking through a tough season and need someone to talk with about it, I’d love to connect. Click the link to set up a one-on-one coaching session. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to help you find clarity, perspective, and hope again.