We are those who, by our occupation, are expected to speak easily and naturally of spiritual realities. We are called to practice our faith in public. Under the never-ending demands of ministry, our holy calling to worship, love, and serve God can gradually become corroded until our ministry becomes a career like any other profession, except that public religious performance is part of the job requirements.

It is possible to lead a worship service but neglect to worship; to sing hymns and songs of praise vigorously without directing our thoughts to God; to pray and speak of holy things without engaging our inmost being; to seek human approval rather than the approval of God

I know. I've done it

About a year into my ministry in a new congregation, I realized that I was in real danger of becoming trapped by the desire to impress people rather than depend on God. I began worrying more about "success" than about glorifying God.

The underlying tension has to do with not only what we do but with ...