The heart of ministry is a tough topic because so many differing opinions are floating around. One of the favorite passages that has been put in front of minister and ministries is the story of Mary and Martha

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:38-42, KJV).

John Gill notes on 41
Ver. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, &c.] Calling her by her name, and repeating it, Martha, Martha, which expresses great intimacy and friendship, and much earnestness, and, as it were, pitying her present situation and circumstances:

thou art careful and troubled about many things; indicating that she was over anxious, and too solicitous, and more thoughtful and careful than she need be: he did not require such preparations for him, and so much attendance; she gave herself an unnecessary trouble in providing so many things for his entertainment, when less would have sufficed; so that instead of joining with her in her request, he reproves her for her over anxious care and solicitude, to have a nice and plentiful feast. The Persic version gives a sense quite contrary to the design of the text, rendering the words thus, "thou art adorned in all things, and hast the preference above many women".

So often I have heard people say that Martha was in sin because she did not wish to sit at Jesus feet as Mary did. As I read these passages I do not see Jesus reprimanding Martha for working too hard, But rather he encouraged her to join in the discussions. This was not a major event to get caught up in.

Martha was not in wrong for desiring to make everything perfect for her Lord. She was wrong in her attitude in expecting everyone to do as she was doing. In ministry I would call this a burn out attitude. When one is truly involved with the Lord's work there is so much to be done, and the time is never enough. It is a very natural response for us to be upset when others are not as caught up in things as we are. Our sin comes in pointing out the fault of others.

Mary, had Jesus asked, would have gladly jump up to help her sister. Many of us overlook the fact that Martha was highly favored by Jesus (by repeating her name shows his love for her) because she did what was needed without being ask. A willing heart is a rare finding, though most of us when requested will obey, the desire to go forward without the request is rare. Finding people to work in the spotlight is not hard, but to find someone to clean the toilets and other thankless jobs and not so noticed jobs is a rare find. In this world the humble servant may go un-noticed but God sees all and thier reward in heaven will be great.

The heart of ministry is the same as that of someone in love. What is done is done out of love for the Master, not being concerned about what others do. It is important to do all things as unto the Lord and for his Glory. As a loving servant I am not concerned with what others are doing or getting, but that I should do what the Lords will for me is, trusting in his will and righteousness for everything.