Defining Success in Ministry

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits."

I have been in an introspective period recently about my ministry and those of others. In some sense, it is easy to have a great bit of sorrow over one's successes. "Why isn't my growth in ministry like x? Why don't we have as many people as y?" In defining the question like this, I have come to the realization that I am completely wrong in my approach.

If we define the success of someone's ministry by the amount of money they take in, the car they drive, the amount of people that they attract, we are defining them in terms of worldly success. It is no secret that people are driven to places that are often comfortable or that offer the a significant amount of amenities. Defining this is as growth is not only unfair to us, but it measures spiritual growth in something completely opposite to the Gospel.

So, what is the measurement of success in ministry? It would seem, based on the Gospels, it is helping others grow in their faith and in holiness. This is not always outwardly measured, and can sometimes be a constant process of success and failure. In many ways, this mimics the ministries of the Apostles. 

For, "wherever two or three are gathered...." Well, we know the rest.