A New Ministry Discernment

Starting a new ministry is an exhilarating journey filled with hope, passion, and a deep desire to serve God and others.

However, along this path, one may encounter unexpected challenges, including the scourge of scammers.

These individuals prey on the vulnerability and trust of new ministries, seeking to exploit their goodwill for personal gain.

Yet, in the face of such adversity, there lies an opportunity for profound lessons in faith and forgiveness.

The Scourge of Scammers

Scammers target new ministries for various reasons, often posing as donors or partners offering financial assistance or collaboration. They may present convincing stories and promises, luring unsuspecting leaders with the prospect of support for their noble cause.

However, behind these façades lie deceit and manipulation, causing harm and disappointment.

The Emotional Toll

Discovering that your ministry might or has fallen victim to a scam can be devastating. It shakes the foundation of trust and leaves wounds of betrayal and disillusionment. The emotional toll is palpable as leaders grapple with feelings of anger, shame, and doubt.

Questions arise about discernment and judgment, casting shadows of uncertainty over the mission and vision of the ministry.

The Call to Forgiveness

Amidst the turmoil, there exists a profound call to forgiveness—a cornerstone of Christian faith. Forgiveness does not condone wrongdoing but liberates the forgiver from the burden of bitterness and resentment.

It is a courageous act of grace rooted in the belief that healing and restoration are possible, even in the face of betrayal.

Steps Toward Forgiveness

Acknowledge the Hurt: Recognize the pain and betrayal caused by the scam. Allow yourself to process these emotions honestly and seek support from trusted friends, mentors, or counselors.

Pray for Guidance: Turn to God in prayer, seeking wisdom and strength to navigate this challenging situation. Ask for clarity in discerning the following steps and for a heart open to forgiveness.

Choose Forgiveness: Make a conscious decision to forgive the scammers, releasing them from the debt of their wrongdoing. Remember that forgiveness is a process, and it may take time to embrace this mindset fully.

Focus on Healing: Redirect your energy towards healing and restoration within the ministry. Emphasize transparency, accountability, and prudent stewardship to rebuild trust among supporters and stakeholders.

Learn and Grow: Use this experience as an opportunity for growth and learning. Evaluate the ministry's processes and safeguards, implementing measures to prevent future scams and protect its integrity.

Extend Compassion: Express compassion for scammers, recognizing that they may also need redemption and forgiveness. Pray for their transformation and God's Guidance in their lives.

While encountering scammers poses significant challenges for new ministries, it also presents an opportunity to deepen faith and practice forgiveness.

Thank God for giving you discernment. By acknowledging the hurt, choosing forgiveness, and focusing on healing and growth, ministries can emerge more robust and more resilient.

Forgiveness is not only a gift to others but also a transformative journey toward inner peace and spiritual wholeness.

When you are approached by so-called benefactors who have just defrauded artists, pray and wait on God. He will show you if he sent them or not.

Allen Gibson

The Mighty Warriors Ministry

www.themightywarriorsministry.com