Have you ever had one of those days where everything seemed to be going well? You felt confident in the ministry work God has called you to, excited about the unique role your organization plays in the world.

Then, you open your email.

You see a ministry leader you follow announcing a new initiative—one that’s well-presented, well-funded, and going out to an audience much larger than yours. Suddenly, the joy and confidence you had before opening that email are replaced with doubt and disappointment.

You start comparing everything you aren’t doing to what they are doing. You dwell on their successes and your shortcomings. Before long, you’re spiraling into discouragement, wondering if your ministry is even making a difference.

Sound familiar?

The Comparison Trap in Ministry

Pastors may see a church down the street launching an initiative they had thought about but never implemented—and now that church is growing. A Christian school leader might notice another school rolling out a program they wish they had developed first. Comparison is an easy trap to fall into, but when we do, we risk losing sight of the unique calling God has placed on our ministry.

Comparison, when misapplied, robs us of joy, misaligns our focus, and pulls our attention away from what God has specifically entrusted to us.

The Apostle Paul warned against this mindset in 2 Corinthians 10:12:

“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

Ministry is not a competition. Each organization has a unique role to play in advancing the Kingdom. If God has called you to something distinct, then by definition, your journey will look different from someone else’s.

So why do we compare as if all ministries should look the same? We shouldn’t.

Three Ways to Avoid Letting Comparison Steal Your Joy

1. Remember What God Has Called You to Do

It’s highly unlikely that your ministry’s calling is exactly the same as someone else’s. Your mission, your vision, your team, your challenges, and your opportunities are all unique.

The early church offers a great example of this. Paul and Peter were both called by God, but their ministries looked completely different. Paul was sent primarily to the Gentiles, while Peter ministered to the Jews (Galatians 2:7-8). They were both advancing the gospel but in distinct ways.

Instead of comparing, focus on faithfulness:

• Are you stewarding well what God has given you?
• Are you obedient to what He has asked you to do?
• Are you measuring success by His standards rather than external comparisons?

When we recognize that our calling is uniquely designed by God, comparison loses its grip.

2. Celebrate the Success of Other Ministries

This can be tough. Seeing another ministry thrive while feeling like yours is struggling can be a painful reminder of what you haven’t accomplished yet. It can even lead to discouragement or resentment.

But the Kingdom of God is not built by just one church, one school, or one nonprofit. If the gospel is being advanced, then that is a win for all of us.

Paul embodies this perspective in Philippians 1:15-18, where he acknowledges that some were preaching Christ with selfish motives. Instead of being frustrated or envious, he says:
“What does it matter? The important thing is that in every way… Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”

Likewise, we should rejoice when another ministry is making an impact—because ultimately, we’re all on the same team.

A few practical ways to do this:

• Pray for other ministries as they grow and reach people.
• Publicly encourage and support them (a simple message or social media post can go a long way).
• Recognize that their success does not mean your failure—there is room for everyone in God’s Kingdom.

When we shift from competition to collaboration, we find more joy and unity in our work.

3. Compare the Right Things (Learn, Don’t Envy)

Not all comparison is harmful. In fact, some comparison can be productive—if we use it to learn rather than to feel inadequate.

Instead of comparing outcomes, look at processes. If another ministry is thriving in an area where you struggle, what can you learn from their approach?

• Did they streamline their communication strategy?
• Are they engaging their audience in a new way?
• Have they found an effective way to mobilize volunteers?

Throughout Scripture, we see leaders learning from one another. Moses learned from Jethro (Exodus 18), Elisha learned from Elijah (2 Kings 2:9-10), and Paul mentored Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2). Growth often comes from seeing what others do well and applying those lessons to our own context.

If you’re going to compare, compare wisely—not to tear yourself down, but to sharpen your effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Comparison will always be a temptation, but how we handle it determines whether it builds us up or breaks us down.

• Remember your unique calling. Your ministry is not meant to look like anyone else’s.
• Celebrate others’ successes. The Kingdom of God is bigger than any single organization.
• Learn rather than envy. The right kind of comparison can be a catalyst for growth.

At the end of the day, what matters most is faithfulness to what God has called you to do. Whether your ministry reaches thousands or just a handful, your work is valuable in the eyes of God.

As Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:4-5:

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”

So the next time comparison tries to steal your joy, take a step back. Refocus on your calling. Celebrate the work God is doing—both in your ministry and in others. And keep going.