I just looked at the calendar and realized that 11 days ago marked my 17th year in the ministry, at age 34. So, to commemorate it, I thought Id share 17 lessons Ive learned about ministry over these 17 years. If you think its helpful, share it with someone: 17 things Ive learned in ministry: 1. It is both a divine calling and a personal privilege. 2. It carries with it the dichotomy of pain and pleasure. Pain that comes from the stuff you go through. Pleasure that comes from the stuff you help people GET through. 3. Preaching is the easiest part. And good preaching alone does not a pastor make. 4. Preaching can be therapy. But it better not be your ONLY means of therapy. Some stuff you cant preach your way through *see recent rash of pastors committing suicide* 5. The people you try most to be a blessing to are often the ones least appreciative of it, or first to misunderstand your heart and intentions. 6. If youre not a believer in the limitless bounds of grace and mercy - both for yourself and others - ministry will drown you. 7. Ministry is not about building platforms for the sake of having something to stand on. If your platform isnt pushing people into purpose, its self serving. 8. If you cant handle pain, pressure, rumors, lies or even the stench of your own sordid truth, ministry is not for you. 9. Take everything - complements and criticisms - with a grain of salt. Youre often only as good or bad in their eyes as your last sermon. But thats not how God looks at you. 10. Relative to No. 9, get acquainted with the fish filter for peoples feedback about your ministry. - Eat the meat. Throw out the bones. 11. Half of the people who say theyve got your back mean well, but dont truly know exactly what that statement means, entails or requires of them. 12. Think of your favorite pastor, or the nations largest church. Now understand that people LEAVE that pastor or that church in DROVES every week. So, relative to No. 11, dont get mad when people walk away. They will, no matter how effective or anointed you are. 13. Develop thick skin. 14. Have a short memory - dont rest too long on victories or failures. 15. The older you get, the more youll realize that slaying them, shouting them, or preaching them under the benches is not the primary goal of authentic ministry. 16. Your ability to love and disciple people is the key to ministry longevity. Many a powerful preacher will fan out before they hit 40 because they dont know how to love people. 17. Learn to create your own momentum, celebrate your own progress and dine off of the meal of Gods Word before you try to serve it to others. Sometimes you must be your own Amen corner. Theres more, but these are my big ones. Im praying for pastors and preachers everywhere, that God would cause us to fall in love afresh with this great and auspicious calling.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 13:10:07 +0000
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