By Shephard Victor
The other day, someone came and began to complain that he is no longer getting invites from other ministries to preach the gospel to them. He feels the body of Christ is missing out of his iconic revelations and termed that as “persecution in ministry”. He feels that the Body of Christ has ganged up against him out of jealousy and hatred, and that he is going through a lot in ministry because ministerial invitations have decreased.
With all due respect, that is not persecution!
We live in a time where many crave the microphone more than the Master. There’s an unhealthy hunger for visibility a subtle belief that God’s reward for service is popularity through the mic. But in the Kingdom, visibility is not the proof of God’s approval.
Think of disciples like Thomas, Bartholomew, Philip, and others? These were also disciples of Christ. Yet, we read more about Peter, John, and James. Does that mean the others made no impact? Certainly not! Their silence in scripture is not insignificant it’s proof that impact is not always public.
The goal of ministry is not to be seen but to be found faithful. Jesus said, “He that will be greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11) True greatness in the Kingdom flows from humility, not from being on a platform. A service motivated by love, not with the hope of being known or seen eventually.
Sadly, the devil has twisted this truth. He plants wrong motives in the hearts of those who serve — not to stop their service, but to corrupt it. And when your motive is wrong, everything that flows from it becomes tainted. The why behind your service matters more to God than the what you do.
Many today enter ministry not because they want to bless lives, but because they want recognition. Some chase after mentors and mantles, hoping to inherit anointing or platforms, thinking visibility equals validation. But this is not consistent with the life of Christ.
God does not reward His servants with fame. Sometimes, His most faithful vessels remain hidden. Fame is not the fruit of diligence; faithfulness is. No scripture promised, “If you are diligent, you shall be popular.”
If no one invites you to preach, preach in your home and to your family. Preach in your small fellowship if you can. Preach to your own soul to be still.
The greatest person in God’s sight is not always the one with the largest crusade or the widest reach — but the one whose heart is pure, whose motive is love, and whose service is sincere.
So, if ministry, title, or microphone were taken away, would you still love the Lord?
If no one heard your name, would your devotion remain?
These are the questions every servant of Christ must ask.
Because in the end, God rewards hearts, not platforms.
More blessings!