What Samuel and Saul Taught Me About Rejection in Ministry | Scott Sistrunk
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What Samuel and Saul Taught Me About Rejection in Ministry | Scott Sistrunk

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In this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Ryan Franklin sits down with Scott Sistrunk to talk honestly about rejection, failure, and staying motivated in ministry. Drawing from his missions experience and a powerful story of a Middle Eastern convert, Scott shares how leaders can endure resistance without letting it redefine their calling. This conversation offers biblical perspective, real-world wisdom, and practical encouragement for pastors and church leaders who feel worn down, discouraged, or tempted to quit.





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Transcript


We've equated the church with business. We've equated profits to increase in our church attendance. Whatever we may have these false measures, and our measure is to obey God, to be a great Christian, to be obedient to our calling. And if we get rejected while we're doing that, so be it.


Welcome to the Christian Leader Made Simple podcast. I'm your host, Brian Franklin, and I've been in pastoral leadership at the Pentecostals of Alexandria for over 20 years. I'm also an executive coach helping Christian leaders grow with clarity, confidence, and balance. If you're leading in ministry or business, then you likely know just how easy it is to get scattered, lose your focus, and start feeling ineffective. I've definitely been there myself, and that's why I created the Christian Leader Self Assessment. It's free and takes just 10 minutes; it will show you exactly how to gain clarity and confidence as a leader. Go to ryanfranklin.org or click the link in the description to take the assessment today.


And now let's dive into today's episode.


Welcome to the Christian Leader Made Simple Show. My name is Ryan Franklin, and today we're diving into something that every pastor and church leader faces at some point but few actually talk about honestly: how to overcome rejection without losing your motivation or your sense of calling.


Our guest on the show today is the UPCI North American Missions Director, Scott Sistrunk. Scott has spent decades on the front lines of missions work, coaching and mentoring countless missionaries, guiding them through the emotional wear and tear that comes with pioneering difficult work. His experience gives him a unique lens on resilience, motivation, and the real cost of advancing the Kingdom of God.


Brother Sistrunk, we're honored that you're here today. Welcome to the show.


"Great to be here, Ryan. Thanks for having me."


What an important topic.


"Yeah, it is."


When I heard you talk about this a little bit—not directly but indirectly—at Louisiana District Conference this past year, I knew I had to have you on the show to cover this topic because it is not an easy one. I deal with it myself. For many years I have worked to overcome a fear of rejection; it's just a very difficult topic.


Considering what you shared at Louisiana District Conference, you told a story of a Middle Eastern convert. I'd love for you to start by sharing that story and what it taught you about the cost of following Jesus.


"Yeah, I'll remind you that this story happened about 10 years ago. At that point, I had been church planting for 20 years—I was not a novice. I'm 58 now, so well into my ministry. This isn't a story of rejection from a 25- or 30-year-old novice.


I was starting a church in Plymouth, Michigan; it was our first event—a conference with my father-in-law—before we even had regular church services which would begin eight months later.


A girl came up to me with purple hair; she introduced herself and said she thought God called her to be a pastor but didn't know anything about it and thought I could help her.


It was powerful because I felt led by the Lord and said yes—that's exactly what I do—and believed God had called her.


Though I wasn't fully settled on women pastors at that time, it was a unique moment.


From then on, her spiritual hunger was unlike anything I'd ever seen—even after installing six pastors previously.


She devoured every book I gave her; she took notes.


Her family were Middle Eastern Christians—Catholic and Orthodox—but she embraced oneness theology powerfully.


I baptized her in Jesus' name; she was engaged to another Middle Eastern Christian who was her first cousin (common in their culture), whose brother was an Orthodox priest—the same priest she debated for eight hours over baptism in Jesus' name versus traditional titles.


Her family was largely against her conversion; her dad wanted her re-baptized in titles just to ease family tension but she refused citing Jesus' words about denying Him before men.


She stood firm despite pressure affecting her marriage prospects.


We launched the church together; she helped run Bible studies weekly before services began.


She received the Holy Ghost; taught Bible studies for her fiancé's family; they cooked meals for us; relationships were strong despite opposition.


Her husband eventually got baptized after much study and family pressure but shortly after that everything changed:


One Sunday she didn't attend service without notice; later we were told by her husband and brother she would no longer come back or communicate with us—family had intervened strongly against her involvement with our church.


When she came back wearing secular clothing and renounced holiness teachings, she said it was her choice though clearly influenced by family pressure after talking with an Anglican priest who challenged her beliefs in ways she couldn't answer.


It felt like being rejected by your own child who suddenly sees you as an enemy after years of investment—a deep grief filled with confusion: what did I do wrong?


I realized nothing was my fault; rejection happened outside my control despite all efforts.


I found all materials I'd given her boxed up at church—a symbolic end—and explained this painful loss to our small congregation who loved them both dearly.


I was depressed for weeks—not used to suffering like that—but realized suffering is part of ministry if we follow Christ who himself was despised and rejected by men."


You mentioned that rejection never gets easier over time?


"No—it hurts as much at 50 as at 25."


How did you move forward?


"My wife encouraged me: 'We need to get somebody else.'


God reminded me of Samuel grieving over Saul: 'How long will you grieve?'


Samuel didn't make a mistake in anointing Saul; Saul made mistakes himself.


Similarly, I hadn't erred—the person chose rejection due to high costs involved in following Jesus fully within their culture."


That's a powerful perspective—that sometimes people walk away sorrowfully because they cannot pay the price of discipleship?


"Exactly."


Has this shaped how you counsel other leaders facing rejection?


"Yes—rejection is inevitable especially for church planters who face loss of families or leaders frequently; it's often misunderstood as personal failure when sometimes it's simply resistance or people’s unwillingness to change."


Why do you think rejection hits leaders so deeply?


"It exposes personal insecurities—imposter syndrome—and because we love those we serve deeply it hurts more than other professions like sales where rejection is common but less personal."


You also spoke about discerning between normal resistance versus needing self-reflection?


"It's complex—we should examine ourselves humbly: did I offend? Was timing right? Was message clear? But sometimes rejection just happens despite doing everything right according to God's leading."


Can impatience harm leadership influence?


"Yes—I once confronted someone before they were ready based on God's revelation but neglected prayerful timing which limited my influence permanently."


So patience and grace are essential?


"Absolutely."


You emphasized standing firm on principles even if people leave over doctrine?


"Yes—for example, apostolic doctrine requires baptism in Jesus' name and evidence of Holy Spirit baptism by speaking in tongues—if people reject these biblical truths they may leave—and that's heartbreaking but necessary."


How do leaders avoid being stuck in rejection emotionally?


"Principle-centered leaders keep returning to their core convictions rather than ego-based reactions; they understand ministry involves sowing seed without guaranteed harvest."


What practical rhythms help heal from rejection?


"Seek Jesus' face daily—ask 'Is He pleased?' Check motives regularly. Also lean on trusted friends or family who can listen without judgment; accountability prevents spiraling into bitterness."


That relational support seems vital?


"Yes—we all need acceptance and validation from healthy sources—God first then trusted people—to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like seeking acceptance through sin which leads only to more pain."


How do you counsel pastors who feel discouraged wondering if their work matters?


"Trust the process—obedience counts more than visible results. Jeremiah preached 30 years without converts yet fulfilled God's will. Keep sowing faithfully regardless of immediate fruit."


Any final encouragement?


"Suffering refines us closer to Christ’s character—embrace fellowship in His suffering without bitterness; forgive those who hurt you as Stephen did while being stoned.


Don't fight flesh but spiritual forces behind rejection."


Thank you so much for sharing these profound insights today, Brother Sistrunk. Your wisdom will encourage many leaders facing similar struggles.


"If people want to connect online they can find us @upci.nam on social media or visit nexttown.faith where we share resources about North American Missions involvement."


That's wonderful work planting over 700 churches recently! Thank you again for joining us today on Christian Leader Made Simple podcast.


Copyright © 2026 Ryan Franklin. All rights reserved.

 
 
 
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