21. Are you trying new things just because you're afraid not to? Do nothing out of fear.

22. Is there anything in your life or church that you think is so insignificant it would be beneath you to tend to it? Be very honest about this one. Pray about whether God might want you to pay more attention to whatever this is.

23. Do the children in your church need some special attention they've not been getting? Even Jesus was not too busy to give children the attention they needed.

24. Make sure you appreciate the good in what those around you are doing without its minimizing your own sense of mission. Think of another church in your area that is doing things you sometimes wish you could do. Make a list of all the good you see there. Then pray for the pastor and staff to continue under God's guidance to do all He's calling them to. You might even want to write that pastor a note of encouragement. Then make a list of what God is doing through your church, and set aside time to pray specifically to thank the Lord for what He has chosen to do through you and your people. Rejoice big time in this!

25. Be glad for what God has done in your ministry so far. List five things (10 would be better) you have started doing in your church in the past year that you weren't doing last year at this time, and remember: Little things count. Thank God for the progress you've made.

26. Are you getting dragged down or worn out by people who just won't be satisfied with what you do for them? Pray about cutting them loose emotionally so you can move on to more productive—and appreciated—ministry.

27. Have you established boundaries beyond which you know God doesn't want you to go in trying to help people who won't be helped? Think about people who have inappropriately drained your spiritual and emotional energy, and determine where they crossed the line between genuine need and leeching the life out of you. Let that be a line in the sand when you run into needy people in the future.

28. Are you focusing your ministry on people who are being productive for the Kingdom? Make a list of the top producers in your congregation, and be sure you're giving them their due.

29. Should you offload some of your counseling responsibility to someone who can legitimately spend the time working with people who need in-depth help? Perhaps your church should consider hiring a pastoral counselor, or perhaps you can simply develop a good network for counseling referrals.

30. Is there a continuing-education dream gnawing at you that you've ignored because it doesn't seem to fit into your current ministry? It may be God prompting you toward something that will be of great benefit later to you and those you serve. Pray about whether you should take action on the idea.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.

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