Being called into ministry is a high-calling but it also isn’t for the weak. During my 20+ years of ministry, many experiences have shaped my leadership – some more intentionally than others. Much of what has shaped and stretched me the most have been times when I’ve faced fear head-on.

A few examples come to mind:

• Inviting someone to join our kids team (fear of rejection)
• Starting our weekly pre-service huddles (fear that no one woud show up)
• Inviting someone to step into an expanded leadership role (fear of rejection AND fear of releasing control)
• Having a hard conversation with a parent, volunteer, or fellow staff member (fear of saying the wrong thing or dealing with the aftermath of the conversation)
• Questioning my own calling and effectiveness (fear of failure/letting myself or others down)

Taking risks is scary. I’ve yet to meet a leader who set out to fail. But…

• What if we saw what we deem as ‘failure’ as a stepping stone instead of a hindrance?
• What if we view well-intentioned risks as acts of boldness and courage?
• What if we trust God with our fears because He wants us to depend on Him?

Personally, I’ve seen my ministry’s potential stall at times because of my fears and lack of faith. On the flip side, I’ve seen my ministry flourish when my outlook is more faith-focused than fear-focused.

“Faith over fear” is my life’s motto. Not letting my fears get the best of me and trusting God with the outcome is a step of faith. Because…

• What if you extend that invitation to serve or step up in leadership?
• What if you have that hard but necessary conversation?
• What if you start or stop that program?
• What if you put more boundaries in place?
• What if you walk away from a beloved ministry that God is calling you out of?

Sometimes I think we can focus more on the safety and comfort of our fears rather than the risk and reward of stepping out in faith. Taking that initial leap of faith isn’t easy, but rest assured…you don’t have to have it all figured out! Don’t allow fear to hold you and your ministry back from its full potential. Trust God and remember: “faith over fear”.

How might fear be holding you back? What do you need to release so that God can fulfill His plan?

Posted on: 10/28/2026, by : Kathie Phillips