PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: Building Up Yourself In Ministry

Every servant of God in ministry—whether young or old, male or female, part-time or full-time—needs to receive this message with a humble heart. Whether you’re just starting out in ministry or you’ve been labouring in the Lord’s vineyard for many years, this word is for you.

Far too many ministers have not fully walked in their divine assignment because they lack understanding of how to edify and develop themselves in ministry. Some have unknowingly destroyed themselves, and as the Apostle Paul put it, have “made shipwreck of their faith” (1 Timothy 1:19). Others have stepped out of ministry altogether, abandoning their heavenly calling, all because no one taught them this foundational truth.

If you desire to rise up, fulfill your calling, and be a vessel of honour to your generation, then you must be intentional about building up yourself in ministry. This is not optional—it is essential.

A. FOUNDATION AND BIBLICAL BASIS

(Jude 20; 1 Timothy 4:13–16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 9:27)

The Word of God commands that you must work on yourself. Ministry is not magic; it requires effort and discipline.
There are many unbiblical ideas that confuse ministers—for example, the mistaken belief that everything will just fall into place by divine providence without human responsibility.
Your spiritual assignment is directly connected to your personal growth and development.
God has indeed called you, but He expects you to stir up the gift within you (2 Timothy 1:6) and develop your God-given potential.
You are the first and best tool God will use in your ministry. If you don’t grow, your ministry won’t grow.
If you neglect your own development, your calling will be greatly hindered.
Many ministers are still functioning at the same spiritual and mental level they began with—they’ve added nothing to their journey.
The more you prepare and invest in your growth, the more effective and fruitful your ministry will become.
How far and high you’ll go in ministry is determined by your commitment to continuous growth and spiritual building.

Note: When you invest in yourself, you’re indirectly investing in your ministry. Many ministries remain stagnant, sick, and struggling because the minister has stopped growing.

B. WHAT IT MEANS TO BUILD UP YOURSELF

(Ecclesiastes 10:10; 1 Corinthians 3:10)

To build yourself means to develop every area of your life—spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. It means:

Growing in grace and the knowledge of the Word.
Strengthening your leadership capacity.
Improving your preaching and teaching skills.
Cultivating godly character.
Working on your strengths and overcoming your weaknesses.
Becoming informed and enlightened in ministry trends and principles.

Self-building is ministry-building. It’s not a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle, a continuous and daily process of becoming a better vessel for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21).

C. WHY MANY MINISTERS FAIL TO BUILD THEMSELVES

They are too busy doing ministry but are spiritually barren inside.
Lack of knowledge—they don’t know that growth is required.
Over-reliance on “God will do it” without taking responsibility.
Wrong motives—some entered ministry for money, fame, or social position.
Following unbiblical and unspiritual examples—wrong spiritual fathers.
Misplaced priorities—they put programs before personal growth.
Pride—they feel they know it all and don’t need help.
Exposure to shallow teachings and wrong doctrines.
Lack of vision—they can’t see the bigger picture.
Fear of stepping into the unknown.
Neglect of prayer and the study of the Word.
Loss of a teachable spirit—they stop learning.

D. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT BUILDING UP YOURSELF

When you neglect your personal growth, here’s what happens:

You struggle constantly without breakthrough.
Your influence becomes limited—you remain local.
You become vulnerable to mistreatment and irrelevance.
You begin to envy others who are making progress.
You fall into spiritual decline (backsliding).
You open the door to destruction.
You become spiritually barren.
Your ministry becomes empty of impact.
You become shallow—no spiritual depth.
You dry up spiritually.
Eventually, you may abandon your calling and become someone God didn’t send you to be.

E. 20 THINGS TO AVOID IN MINISTRY

Avoid being careless, unserious, and lackadaisical.
Avoid love for money and greed (1 Timothy 6:10).
Avoid alcohol and all forms of intoxicants (Proverbs 31:4–5).
Avoid anger and short-temperedness (James 1:20).
Avoid being moody or constantly complaining.
Avoid harboring sin, hatred, and ungodly thoughts.
Don’t make immature believers into church leaders (1 Timothy 3:6).
Don’t trade your divine calling for temporary gains.
Avoid being stubborn and unreasonable.
Don’t exploit the flock of God—minister with purity (1 Peter 5:2).
Don’t be offended by correction or rebuke—receive it humbly.
Don’t become a one-man army without spiritual accountability.
Never neglect your personal altar—pray and study the Bible daily.
Avoid pride and self-glorification (Proverbs 16:18).
Don’t run ahead of God—wait for His timing.
Flee all appearances of evil and sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Preach Christ, not out of envy or competition.
Don’t abandon your family for ministry—balance both.
Don’t give in to discouragement—encourage yourself in the Lord.
Associate with others without compromising your values.

F. HOW TO BUILD UP YOURSELF IN MINISTRY

No matter your current level, you must commit to intentional growth. The more you build yourself, the stronger your ministry becomes.

Develop a deep desire to grow in every area.
Stay away from people who kill dreams and despise vision.
Keep your eyes on your God-given purpose.
Let your life reflect the glory of God—live holy and upright.
Don’t joke with your spiritual health—feed your spirit daily.
Rejoice at others’ success—envy will block your own growth.
Be disciplined in prayer, fasting, time management, and pleasures.
Take care of your physical body—it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Study books, take ministry-related courses, and keep learning.
Build and fight for your personal prayer altar.
Work on your attitudes—be humble, teachable, and patient.
Love the Lord with all your heart and obey Him in everything.
Document your insights—keep notes, quotes, and sermons.
Practice writing and preparing sound messages.
Set up an organized working space (office or study area).
Address your weaknesses and build godly character.
Value your time—use it well for God’s glory.
Submit to spiritual fathers and mentors—let iron sharpen iron.
Be a good man at home and in ministry—love your spouse, raise godly children.
Walk with God daily—grow in intimacy, not just in activity.

CONCLUSION:

Building yourself in ministry is both a spiritual responsibility and a kingdom mandate. You are God’s vessel—if you are sharp, strong, and clean, He can do great things through you. But if you neglect yourself, you may hinder the assignment God gave you.

So, rise up and edify yourself in the Holy Ghost (Jude 20), give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13), and become a vessel unto honour, fit for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21). The body of Christ is counting on you!