I recently picked up an old friend. “The Life and Diary of David Brainerd” had sat on my shelf for far too long and it was time for another read. Like previous encounters, it did not disappoint. It’s a total gem.

David Brainerd (1718-1747) was an early American missionary whose short life has inspired Christian’s for generations. Reading Brainerd reminds me what ministry is all about – rural, urban, and everything in between. While it is great to be competent in the areas of preaching, leadership, counselling, and administration, there is something far more fundamental when it comes to ministry success, and that is love for God.

In his early twenties, Brainerd wrote, “My soul rejoiced with joy unspeakable to see such a God, such a glorious Divine Being; and I was inwardly pleased and satisfied that He should be God over all for ever and ever. My soul was so captivated and delighted with the excellency, loveliness, greatness, and other perfections of God, that I was even swallowed up in Him.” Clearly, this was a man who was totally enraptured by the greatness of God. Brainerd would spend whole days devoted to prayer and fasting, meditating on the excellency of Christ and the vileness of his own sin.

Had it not been for his friendship with Jonathan Edwards, this great (yet humble) saint would likely be unknown to us. Edwards was so impressed with Brainerd that he set aside current writing projects in order to edit Brainerd’s diary. I’m sure glad he did.

Brainerd travelled deep into the American frontier, making heroic efforts in order to bring the gospel to native American’s. Indeed, God only knows the fruit of this ministry. Unlike Charles Spurgeon and others, he didn’t pastor a church of thousands, nor was he instrumental (like Jonathan Edwards) in stoking the flame of revival in what came to be known as the first Great Awakening. Yet Brainerd serves as a great reminder that our success in ministry will never rise above our love and zeal for God. We can be hugely gifted and competent in ministry, and yet if our heart doesn’t burn for God, that’s not a good place to be. Visible, outward success in ministry often tends to feed the idolatry of our hearts, and can actually serve as a barrier in our pursuit of God.

I probably don’t need to remind you that there has been a slew of high-profile pastors and ministry leaders who have been disqualified in recent years. Things are not always as they appear. While we grieve and lament over what has transpired, there are lessons to be learned. Competency in ministry is good (even necessary), but there is something even more important.

Pastor, does your heart burn with love for God? Are you practicing what you preach to your people? Do you enjoy a growing intimacy and communion with the Lord? Do you find yourself overlooking and minimizing sin in your life? What would fellow elders and close friends say about your heart for God? What would your wife say?

We can all learn from the life and ministry of David Brainerd. Sure, he had his faults, but no one can question his zeal and passion for God’s glory and renown. If you do find that you have grown cold toward the things of God, don’t try to hide in the shadow of ministry success. While it won’t be easy to change course, do whatever it takes to regain your first love.