You’re driving down a road and see one of those annoying speed bumps ahead. What do you do? You may try to swerve around it, but I doubt that you turn around and choose a different route. A barricade where a construction crew has dug a deep trench across the road would be a different story. 

Pastors and ministry leaders need to be able to determine whether they are running into a speed bump or a solid barricade. And unlike my driving analogy, it is often difficult to tell the difference as you’re approaching an obstacle, as if you’re driving at night without any lights. Consider three different examples:

• The satellite campus that was launched last year is well below the target for attendance, which means that it is also a financial drain. In addition, one of the key volunteer leaders for the campus just resigned. Speed bump or solid barricade?
• You and your team have worked for several weeks to develop plans for a new partnership with a local elementary school. When you roll it out to the broader leadership group in your church, your brilliant plan is met with a mixture of apathy and critical questions, plus a few who are completely opposed because “we need to strengthen our existing ministries.” Speed bump or barricade?
• You’ve been trying for 4 years to lead a revitalization effort, but it seems like the board doesn’t really trust your leadership. They’re constantly second-guessing you or asking you to slow down. Speed bump or barricade?

In each case, the best decision may be to treat the issue as a speed bump, moving forward but at a slower pace. But it may also be time to close the satellite campus, abandon the new initiative, or look for another job.

While these kinds of situations are rarely clear cut, four things can help you in the decision-making process. First, be sure that you’re looking at the bigger picture and not just a single data point. Second, know yourself. Do you tend to give up too easily or are you the person who never quits, even when you should? Third, invite others to help you discern whether you’re encountering a speed bump or an immovable obstacle. And most importantly, pray for God to give you wisdom. Doing these things may add enough light for you to see the road ahead more clearly. 

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