Leaders Who Last Part 3

After 31 years in the same church, I am often asked the secret to longevity in the ministry. There is no “magic bullet,” but I see 12 principles that are true in my life; six center around my personal life and six center around my relationships with others.

Personal life

1. A calling to ministry
2. A mission within that calling
3. A Godly definition of success
4. A disciplined life
5. A willingness to change
6. A security found in Christ

Relationships

1. Integrity
2. Competency
3. Trustworthiness
4. Wisdom
5. Consistent emotion
6. Adding value to people’s lives

The second principle: A mission or purpose within that calling.

II Corinthians 1:1 (The Message): “I, Paul, have been sent on a special mission by the Messiah, Jesus, planned by God himself. I write this to God’s congregation in Corinth, and to believers all over Achaia province. May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours! Timothy, someone you know and trust, joins me in this greeting.”

This speaks to the particular call to a ministry or task. What keeps you going in the tough times? It helps greatly to know why you are there—what your mission is all about. Why did God call you to your particular ministry in the first place? What are you doing there? What is your vision? Your purpose? One vital ingredient to longevity is to know the answers to these questions. Mission and purpose create passion in you and others. It helps you to see the big picture.

It’s been said that one scene does not make a play. When you know God has the script “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28), and He promises, “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:8), then you are apt to renew your hope and, therefore, tenacity and courage in the midst of adversity. Have you finished your mission where you are? Has God given you that release from your present calling? To leave prematurely is to permanently alter your life. Are you called where you are serving?

Next lesson: A Godly definition of success.