Leaders Who Last
LEADERSHIP ARTICLES
by Dr. Dwayne E. Mercer
Part 1
Leaders Who Last: Introduction
How tough is the ministry? Dr. John Bisagno told the story of listing the over 100 young men called to the ministry when he started pastoring. Of those 100, plus friends and acquaintances, only 4 of them retired as Pastor. In a recent George Burns survey, 38% of pastors considered quitting the ministry over the past year.
When we are first called to ministry, many will admire you for your dedication and love for God. It reminds me of a young man joining the armed forces. Parents are so proud, people celebrate him for his sacrifice, then he goes into battle. He experiences the hardships, dangers and life-threatening situations, and the accolades of parents and friends seem like a distant past—another lifetime. On a lesser scale, the young minister is congratulated and celebrated in his calling. Then, real life steps in with problems, budgets, buildings, sometimes poverty – the accolades seem to be but a whisper.
There are two areas we speak of when we refer to longevity in the ministry:
Longevity at one church or ministry depends on two areas of the Pastor’s life:
by Dr. Dwayne E. Mercer
Part 1
Leaders Who Last: Introduction
How tough is the ministry? Dr. John Bisagno told the story of listing the over 100 young men called to the ministry when he started pastoring. Of those 100, plus friends and acquaintances, only 4 of them retired as Pastor. In a recent George Burns survey, 38% of pastors considered quitting the ministry over the past year.
When we are first called to ministry, many will admire you for your dedication and love for God. It reminds me of a young man joining the armed forces. Parents are so proud, people celebrate him for his sacrifice, then he goes into battle. He experiences the hardships, dangers and life-threatening situations, and the accolades of parents and friends seem like a distant past—another lifetime. On a lesser scale, the young minister is congratulated and celebrated in his calling. Then, real life steps in with problems, budgets, buildings, sometimes poverty – the accolades seem to be but a whisper.
There are two areas we speak of when we refer to longevity in the ministry:
- The ministry as a whole
- Longevity at a particular church
Longevity at one church or ministry depends on two areas of the Pastor’s life:
- The inner life of the pastor
- The relationship with the congregation
- A calling to ministry
- A mission with that calling
- A godly definition of success
- A disciplined life
- A willingness to change
- A security found in Christ
- Integrity
- Competency
- Trustworthiness
- Wisdom
- Consistent emotion
- Adding value to people’s lives
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2026
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Leadership Principles of Jesus #3Leadership Principles of Jesus #4Leadership Principles of Jesus #5The Power of TruthThe Deity of ChristThe Incarnation—God With UsLíderes que perduran, primera parteLíderes que Duram, Parte 1Lideri care rezistă, Partea 1वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 1القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الأولLeaders Who Last Part 1Jesus Died for Our SinsResurrection and AscensionOvercoming the WorldThe Promise of PeaceThe Peace of GodThe Spirit of TruthPeace in the Midst of ConflictLíderes que perduran, parte 2Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 2-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 2वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 2القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثانيLeaders Who Last Part 2Facing Doubt with Truth
May
The Implications of Believing in GodThe Denial of God’s WordEmbracing the Truth for PeaceThe Tabernacle and the VeilThe Sacrifice of JesusBold Access to GodLideri care rezistă, Partea a 3-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 3Líderes que perduran, parte 3वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 3القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثالثLeaders Who Last Part 3Peace in the Midst of TrialsPeace with GodThe Peace of GodLiving in PeaceComfort in Troubled TimesThe Promise of JoyLíderes que perduran, parte 4Joy Beyond CircumstancesLideri care rezistă, Partea a 4-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 4वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 4القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الرابعLeaders Who Last Part 4The Joy of Access to GodOvercoming Internal StrugglesThe Shepherd Who ComfortsExperiencing the Fullness of JoyBuilding RelationshipsThe Reality of PersecutionLideri care rezistă, Partea a 5-aLíderes que perduran, parte 5Líderes que Duram, Parte 5वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 5القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الخامسLeaders Who Last Part 5Obedience through LoveThe Importance of CommunityLove Your NeighborThe Reality of BelongingCelebration of CommunityExpecting OppositionThe Power of Seed PlantingStanding Firm in FaithLíderes que perduran, parte 6Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 6-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 6वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 6القادة الذين يدومون الجزء السادسLeaders Who Last Part 6Choosing Your MasterThe Example of HumilityThe Ultimate SacrificeResponding to God’s Call
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