It is often said that it matters more how we finish than how we start. So how do we finish well in ministry? What we do leading up to us finishing well is important, because it determines how we finish. John the Baptist ministry is an example for all of us, though perhaps especially those in ministry. For he started and finished well in gospel ministry.
As the end of his ministry approaches, John expresses an intense joy.
Listen to his own reflection on his ministry: “This joy of mine is now complete” (John 3:29). Soon after this, he disappears from John’s narrative, making these some of his last recorded words. As the end of his ministry approaches, John expresses an intense joy. I think this prompts a question: what led to John’s ministry being so joyful and fulfilling? Below I’ll suggest three reasons, three driving forces behind John’s delightful ministry experience and finishing well.
1. Understand Your Calling as a Witness
John was a witness, sent by God (John 1:3-8, 15, 19, 23, 32; 5:33). What is a witness? It is someone who’s responsible for stating facts, not false information, to people. Whether we’re in full-time ministry or lay-people in the church, we are all witnesses of Jesus Christ. This was one of God’s purposes in sending the Holy Spirit (John 15:26). Jesus reminds us of this, at the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).
John finished his ministry well because he understood his calling as well as his message.
As witnesses to Jesus Christ, we are not content creators. Content creators are always looking for something new or fresh; ways to keep their pages trending and people coming back. However, Christians witness to the facts about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming. What we say, therefore, doesn’t change. Nor should we feel any pressure to do so. Our calling is to be faithful witnesses, which is wonderfully liberating.
2. Resist Comparisons and Competition
When John speaks about his joyfully finishing his ministry, it’s in the context of being pitted against Jesus (John 3:27). The people were comparing his ministry to Jesus’. But taking his place as a mere witness, John’s ministry centred on the supremacy of Christ; in other words, John’s ministry wasn’t about himself but Jesus. He always directed people away from himself, pointing them to a superior, satisfying Lord (John 1:19-21, 29-30).
Those in ministry are forever tempted to compare themselves with others.
This is a crucial point. For comparing ministry leaders isn’t new; it’s been going on for thousands of years. Those in ministry are forever tempted to compare themselves with others. It’s too easy to listen to the voices inside and outside. They say things like ‘she is doing better than you,’ or the opposite, ‘I am doing better than them in ministry.’ Comparison takes many forms. ‘Our church and denomination has the best Bible preacher, faithful and fiery, unlike that boring Bible teacher down the road.’
John’s wisdom is able to extinguish these temptations, whether they’re to exalt ourselves or tear others down; beat ourselves up or imagine ourselves to be inferior. If our message is always centred on Jesus we’ll be able to resist making ministry about ourselves. John delighted in making much of Christ, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Isn’t it foolish for unworthy witnesses to enter into competition with each other? When we do so it’s very likely because our ministry is about lifting ourselves—instead of Jesus—up. With John let’s say: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
3. Remember That It Isn’t About You
In John 1:36, John declares that Jesus is “the Lamb of God.” Immediately after declaring who Jesus is, John’s disciples decide to follow Jesus (John 1:37). Putting myself in John’s shoes, I think this would have bruised my ego. But John didn’t let that happen, because he knew he was only a messenger and not the Messiah; he was the servant and not the Saviour.
John knew he was only a messenger and not the Messiah.
Remaining humble over becoming self-centred in ministry requires us remembering that we’re sign posts. We aren’t the destination. John the Baptist finished his ministry well because he understood his calling as well as his message, and he was convinced that people must follow the Lamb and not him. May God help us keep these three things in mind as we seek to finish well in ministry.
