Leaders Who Last Part 5

What is the secret of longevity in ministry? After 31 years, I can say, “I am a hard guy to run off.”

I am often asked, “What is the one thing that makes longevity possible”? There is no one thing. It’s like after getting a fly wheel spinning at a high speed asking someone, “What was the big push that made it go that fast”? There is no one push. There are several elements involved.

In this study, we have found we need:

1. A calling to ministry
2. A mission within that calling
3. A Godly definition of success

The fourth element is discipline. This is probably the most challenging ingredient for many. The word discipline comes from the same Greek word as disciple. Paul says, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified,”  I Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) and Proverbs 6:6-8 (The Message) states, “You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed?”
 
First, we need discipline in our walk with God. This walk is the foundation and catalyst to all personal growth and ministry. Do you read the Bible? How is your prayer life? How do you treat yourself physically? What do you feed your mind? Do you cultivate the relationship with your wife and children? Do you set goals and meet them?

Secondly, there must also be discipline in your work and ministry. There is little substitute for hard work. How many hours do you actually work per week. Count them up. I discovered if I work less than the successful pastor, I either think I am far more talented than the next guy or I have no passion for my ministry.

Then, there must be discipline in our relationships. Are you disciplined in following through on your promises? Are you on time to meetings? Are you disciplined in your speech and how you treat others?

An undisciplined person has a lottery mindset. They believe that good fortune is all about luck. They think one day their ship will come in; their big break is coming.

Fulfillment and longevity involve hard work—discipline in our personal lives, our ministries, and relationships. Is this area a challenge for you? Go now, open your Bible. Begin a disciplined life right now.

Next lesson: A willingness to change.