Principles of Promotion
What is it in men that causes them to feel so insecure in ministry? They love the Lord, and they love the mission, and their desire to lead feels sincere and right. Yet many quietly wrestle with disappointment: Why am I not being used the way I hoped? Why do I feel passed over?
Scripture gives us essential principles about leadership and promotion in ministry. If you find yourself struggling with these questions, consider these truths:
1. Have you been faithful with small things?
Before God entrusts us with greater influence, he tests our stewardship in the small, unseen, and seemingly insignificant things. If we can’t be faithful in tasks that carry little weight, how can we be trusted with those that hold eternal consequence?
Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
Faithfulness in “little things” is not a waiting game — it's a training ground. The way you handle what belongs to another reveals what God can entrust to you later.
2. Do you lack wisdom?
Wisdom is the spiritual discernment that shows us how and when to apply God’s truth in real life. Leadership demands wisdom, so pursue it like treasure.
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
Promotion is the fruit of wisdom. When we exalt wisdom, wisdom exalts us.
3. Do I trust God’s plan and timing?
Psalm 75:6 For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
Your promotion is not in human hands. It is in God’s. Yes, you are called to grow and serve diligently. Yes, pastors and leaders will make decisions about your trajectory, but, ultimately, God raises up servants in his appointed season.
Abraham waited. Moses waited. David waited. Paul waited. But they all waited actively, patiently and faithfully. This time of waiting is likely the very way God is refining in you.
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
4. What kind of leadership am I gifted for?
We are all called to lead in some capacity, but not every calling is pastoral or positional. Too many young men equate visibility with value. The body of Christ thrives because each member functions perfectly in their God-given place.
Romans 12:5 So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
True leadership flows from your gifts, not your ambition. When you embrace your unique place in the body, God’s grace will empower you there and satisfy the callings of your heart.
When you feel overlooked, it can either harden your heart or humble it. Let it humble you. Let it teach you faithfulness, wisdom, patience, and contentment. In time, God will exalt you — not to make much of you, but to make much of his Son Jesus Christ.
Brandon Briscoe is the College and Young Adult pastor at Midtown Baptist Temple in Kansas City, MO.
