A few years ago the office supply company Staples released their “Easy Button” ad campaign. If you’re not familiar with the campaign, the whole premise is based on the assumption that there’s a big red button that you press that makes situations easy. Wouldn’t it be great if that button existed in ministry?

A small group leader posts a rant on Facebook that includes a few choice words that we can’t post to the blog. No worries, hit the easy button.

A children’s volunteer comes into church smelling like marijuana. Easy button.

When you’re preaching and “pitch his tents” comes out as “pinch his tits”. Quick hit the easy button.

When giving falls behind budget.

When great volunteers leave.

When good people misunderstand why the church is changing.

The list could on and on.

Ministry would be so much simpler with an easy button. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find one.

Here’s what I have found. Jesus said the two greatest commandments are this: love God with everything you have, and love your neighbor as yourself.

Love God, and love people. It sounds simple, but it’s not always easy.

There are times of regret, times of sadness, and times of disappointment. I’ve made mistakes, missteps, and mess-ups.

Yet, at the end of the day I realize just how blessed I am that God has given me the opportunity to be a part of building His Church.

It’s not always been easy, but it’s always been worth it.

Leave a comment and tell us a time in your life that you wish you had an easy button.