Ministry is a high calling. But even in serving God, our human hearts can fall into dangerous patterns, and one of the most subtle yet destructive is pride. Pride often creeps in undetected, disguising itself as confidence, zeal, or leadership strength. However, the Bible warns us time and again that pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18), even in ministry.

Let’s explore several biblical signs that you may be struggling with pride in ministry, along with Scriptures and reflection questions to help keep your heart aligned with Christ.

1. You Take the Credit Instead of Giving God the Glory

Biblical Example:

“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks.”
—Romans 1:21 (NLT)

Ministry success can tempt us to believe we’ve earned it through our own wisdom, effort, or anointing. But Scripture clearly shows that everything we do—especially in ministry—must point to God’s power, not ours.

Self-Check:
Do I make it a point to give God public credit for what He’s doing through me, or do I quietly soak in the praise of others?

2. You Resist Correction or Accountability

Biblical Example:

“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.”
—Proverbs 13:10 (NLT)

A prideful heart often pushes back against correction, assuming no one else has the insight or authority to speak into our lives. But godly ministry requires a teachable spirit and willingness to be held accountable.

Self-Check:
Do I get defensive when others correct me or offer advice? Do I have spiritual mentors who are allowed to speak truth into my life?

3. You Secretly Compete with Other Ministries or Leaders

Biblical Example:

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
—Philippians 2:3 (NLT)

Pride manifests when we compare, compete, or criticize others in ministry, secretly hoping we look better or more effective. Instead, we are called to celebrate the success of others and serve in unity.

Self-Check:
Am I secretly jealous when another ministry flourishes? Do I find myself feeling superior to others who do things differently?

4. You Preach and Serve to Be Seen or Praised

Biblical Example:

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 6:1 (NLT)

Jesus warned against doing spiritual things to gain attention. Ministry should always be about building God’s kingdom, not personal fame or validation.

Self-Check:
Do I feel disappointed when my service goes unnoticed? Do I thrive more on applause than on quiet obedience?

5. You Struggle to Admit Weakness or Ask for Help

Biblical Example:

“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
—2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

Pride keeps us from admitting when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or in need of help. Yet Paul gloried in his weaknesses because they made room for Christ’s strength.

Self-Check:
Do I pretend to have it all together for the sake of my image? Do I allow myself to be vulnerable and receive support?

6. You Make Ministry About Your Vision More Than God’s Mission

Biblical Example:

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height… The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
—1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

Sometimes pride causes us to pursue personal ambition or image-building, disguised as vision or excellence. But if God’s heart and people are no longer our focus, we’re veering off course.

Self-Check:
Do I listen more to my own dreams than to God’s direction? Am I more focused on building my platform than building people?

7. You Look Down on Those Who Seem “Less Spiritual”

Biblical Example:

“Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else…”
—Luke 18:9 (NLT)

Spiritual pride can cause us to become judgmental and critical, thinking we’re more righteous or mature than others. Jesus warned against this attitude harshly in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14).

Self-Check:
Do I quietly look down on other believers or ministries because they don’t measure up to my standards?

8. You Are Easily Offended or Constantly Need Recognition

Biblical Example:

“Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
—1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NLT)

Pride makes us hyper-sensitive to how others perceive us. We may get hurt when we’re overlooked or lash out when not appreciated. But love—true godly love—is secure and unshaken.

Self-Check:
Do I get discouraged when I don’t receive enough thanks or acknowledgment? Do I withdraw or feel resentful when my contributions go unnoticed?

9. You Stop Praying Because You Rely on Your Own Strength

Biblical Example:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.”
—John 15:5 (NLT)

One of the most dangerous signs of pride in ministry is a weak or nonexistent prayer life. When we stop depending on God, we are essentially saying, “I’ve got this on my own.”

Self-Check:
Has my time in prayer and the Word decreased as my platform or responsibilities increased?

Closing Thoughts: Humility Is the Only Safe Place in Ministry

Pride is subtle, but deadly. It exalts self and edges God out of the picture. That’s why Scripture reminds us:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
—James 4:6 (NLT)

Ministry done from a heart of humility is powerful, because it reflects Christ. Let us remember that Jesus Himself, though He was God, humbled Himself to serve (Philippians 2:5-8). That is our example and our aim.