This church planter faced a crisis. Even though he had founded the church, many had turned against him. Long-brewing conflict had erupted despite his reconciliation attempts. Humiliated and opposed, he’d retreated for a time, crushed by their rejection.
New, charismatic leaders emerged, challenging his credentials while he battled multiple criticisms: his unimpressive appearance, mediocre speaking ability, questionable financial motives, and inconsistent follow-through. They didn’t merely question his fit; they questioned his legitimacy in ministry entirely.
The church planter openly acknowledged his struggles: overwhelming pressure beyond endurance, a persistent personal issue that wouldn’t resolve, and deep anxiety causing sleepless nights.
What future could such a leader possibly have?
What if I told you this church planter was the Apostle Paul?
2 Corinthians may be one of our most overlooked pastoral resources. It reveals Paul’s struggles: criticism, attacks, misunderstandings, broken relationships, weakness, and overwhelming pressure. Paul wrote both to express gratitude for the majority who returned to him and to defend his ministry against detractors.
This letter unveils true ministry’s nature. As a pastor, criticism comes with the territory. People you’ve invested in will turn against you. Some attacks will be unfair, yet people will believe them, and you’ll feel the sting deeply.
Add to this ministry’s inherently overwhelming nature. You’ll feel inadequate, question yourself, and pay costs to remain faithful. Like Paul, you may beg the Lord to change your circumstances, only to discover your weakness is God’s instrument teaching you to rely on Christ’s strength rather than your own (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Yet Paul never indicates he would have chosen differently. He continued laying down his life, serving sacrificially with his eyes fixed on the invisible: God working within His church.
Despite everything, Paul maintained hope. He viewed his ministry as participation in Christ’s suffering (2 Corinthians 4:10-11) and believed God was preparing “an eternal weight of glory” far outweighing temporary troubles (2 Corinthians 4:17). His deep love for the church transcended his challenges. He cared more for their spiritual welfare than his own vindication (2 Corinthians 12:19).
Compelled by Christ’s love, Paul recognized his weakness wasn’t opposed to his calling but essential to it, ensuring God received glory instead of the messenger (2 Corinthians 4:7). He drew strength from believers’ prayers and maintained hope against all odds.
2 Corinthians teaches us two crucial lessons: ministry inevitably involves suffering and misunderstanding, yet it remains profoundly worthwhile even when painful. God works through our weakness for his glory.
Ministry comes at a cost, but praise God for those who remain faithful despite criticism.