The Heart in the Ministry
Opening Up Romans—6
Exploring the riches of God’s grace, one passage at a time.
“Pastor, what do you do all week?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question. My mom likes to joke that I only work one day a week! While everyone else looks forward to the weekend, we work on it. But like any calling, ministry can sometimes feel ordinary, even burdensome. So why keep going? Because when your heart is in it—and when the heart of the ministry itself is the gospel of Jesus Christ—it becomes a joy again.
That’s what we see in Paul’s words in Romans 1:9–13. He opens a window into his heart, showing what keeps him going in the work of the gospel.
A Heart of Service
Paul begins, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit.” That phrase, “with my spirit,” says so much. His service wasn’t external or mechanical—it came from the depths of his heart, transformed by the gospel. The ministry wasn’t a job to him; it was worship. His whole life was devoted to serving God “in the gospel of His Son.”
There’s a word of encouragement here for pastors and church members alike. For pastors, Paul reminds us that the heart of service must be anchored in the gospel, not in results, recognition, or routine. For everyone else, he reminds us that serving in the church isn’t a duty to check off—it’s a privilege. You get to serve God here. Whether it’s teaching, cleaning, encouraging, or praying, it all flows from a heart touched by grace.
A Heart of Prayer
Paul says he “mentions [the Romans] always” in his prayers and longs to visit them “by God’s will.” What strikes me is that Paul prayed constantly, even though he knew God was sovereign. If God already knows everything, why pray? Because prayer isn’t about informing God—it’s about aligning our hearts with His will. God ordains not just the ends but the means—including our prayers.
Paul’s story reminds us that unanswered prayers don’t mean forgotten prayers. He had wanted to visit Rome for years but was “prevented”—by circumstances, by Satan, and even by the Holy Spirit. Yet in all that delay, God was still at work. Paul eventually made it to Rome—just not the way he expected. He arrived in chains, as a prisoner. God answered his prayer, but on His own timetable.
There’s a lesson there for us. When your plans are delayed, when your prayers seem unanswered, it may not mean “no”—it may mean “not yet.” Keep praying. Keep trusting. God’s timing is better than ours, even when it leads through hardship.
A Heart of Encouragement
Paul also longed to visit Rome “that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you.” He wanted to encourage them, but what’s beautiful is how he immediately adds, “that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Paul—the great apostle!—wasn’t above needing encouragement himself. Ministry is never one-directional. The gospel creates a community of give-and-take, of strengthening and being strengthened.
This is the kind of church we want to be—a place where faith flows both ways. Where you come not only to receive but to give. Where your presence and your words, even your struggles, build someone else up.
Paul’s heart was full of service, prayer, and encouragement—all centered on the gospel of God’s Son. That’s what kept him going. And that’s what keeps us going, too. Ministry—whether in a pulpit, a nursery, or a quiet act of kindness—isn’t about keeping busy. It’s about keeping your heart in it, because Christ is in it.