A constructive approach to frustration in the practice of ministry

Conclusion

“The original frustration-aggression hypothesis was stated in very strong terms—every frustration produces an aggressive tendency and every aggression can be traced to a frustration. We know now that there can be other responses to frustration—aregression to childish behavior, apathetic withdrawal, or, even, quietly effectiveproblem-solving behavior.” A person who learns how to use his frustration in problem-solving will not only be effective in his work, but will enjoy it.

By organizing our time and planning our activities we eliminate those oppressing feelings of guilt, failure, and frustration. We are free to enjoy our work and play. Someone has said that “the problem most people have is that they think about playing while working and think about working while playing, and do not do either one well.” The minister who is thinking about a pastoral call while preparing his sermon or thinking about his sermon while visiting a parishioner does not do either one very well.

A frustrated person cannot accomplish much because frustration blocks creativity, wastes time and energy as it divides the individual. To accept the challenge of dealing with frustration creatively is to make life a much more exciting and productive venture. It makes a minister an effective leader of people as he displays self-discipline, expresses concern, and shares the Gospel through the many activities of his life and church.