224. Cortt Chavis – What Success In Ministry Really Looks Like

In this episode, I am joined by Cortt Chavis — pastor of Truth Chapel, music artist, and a voice that has impacted the global church.

What stood out to me most in this conversation wasn’t just his story… it was the process behind it.

Cortt shared his journey from growing up in a small church, to walking away from God, to a life-changing encounter that brought him back. From there, he talked about how obedience, submission to leadership, and seasons that didn’t make sense, including serving in Iraq, became the very things God used to shape his ministry.

We also unpacked some incredibly practical leadership insights, especially around church growth. One of the biggest shifts he shared was moving from delegating tasks to delegating authority. That one change didn’t just help his church, it multiplied leadership and unlocked growth.

The biggest question for this episode was:
What is success in ministry?

And Cortt’s answer is one every leader needs to hear:

Success is simply doing what God has called you to do.

It isn’t the platform or opportunities, but it is simply obedience.

This conversation will challenge you and refocus your definition of success.

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10 Key Takeaways

1. Success in ministry is obedience

If you are doing what God has asked you to do — you are successful.

2. You can be called… and still need to be shaped

Calling is real, but formation takes time. God uses seasons — even difficult ones — to prepare you.

3. Obedience under authority matters more than opportunity

Cortt waited years under his pastor’s “no.” That season of submission became the foundation for everything that followed.

4. You can be frustrated… and still be faithful

One of the most practical lines from this conversation:
“Be mad… but be obedient.”

5. God often does His deepest work in hidden seasons

Iraq wasn’t a detour — it was a defining moment. That’s where humility, prayer, and clarity were formed.

6. You can love the calling more than the Caller

That hit hard. It’s possible to chase purpose, platform, or ministry — and miss intimacy with God.

7. Church growth is limited by leadership capacity

The real ceiling in ministry isn’t resources — it’s the leader.

8. Delegating tasks creates followers — delegating authority creates leaders

This is one of the most important leadership shifts you can make.

9. You are not just the leader — you’re part of the team

Cortt’s perspective was powerful: the pastor isn’t just the coach — he’s a player on the field.

10. The “middle” is where success is formed

Not the breakthrough. Not the promise.
But the process in between — that’s where God builds what really matters.

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Scriptures Referenced & Connected

Obedience & Calling

• 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice…”
• Romans 11:29 – “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

Faithfulness Over Platform

• Matthew 25:21 – “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
• Luke 16:10 – “He that is faithful in that which is least…”

Delegation & Leadership

• Exodus 18:17–23 – Jethro instructs Moses to delegate leadership
• Numbers 11:16–17 – God places Moses’ spirit on the seventy elders
• Acts 6:1–7 – Delegation leads to church growth

Process & Spiritual Formation

• James 1:2–4 – “Let patience have her perfect work…”
• 1 Peter 5:10 – God perfects us through suffering

The “Ark” Principle (Success in the Middle)

• Hebrews 9:4 – The Ark contained:
  • The tablets (law)
  • The manna (provision)
  • Aaron’s rod (authority)

This is powerful — because it shows that what God values most isn’t just where you came from or where you’re going… It’s what He formed in you along the way.

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Final Thought

If there’s one thing I walked away with from this conversation, it’s this:

Success isn’t the stage. It’s not the size of your church or the opportunities you get.

Success is being in the will of God.

And if you can look at your life and say, “I’m doing what God asked me to do” — then you’re already there.

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