Leaders Who Last 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:
Since I have just finished 31 years at the same church, I will concentrate more on the latter.
Longevity at one church or ministry depends on two areas of the Pastor’s life:
The personal life of the pastor includes having:
The relationship aspect, necessary for longevity, includes:
During the next few weeks, I want to look at each of these 12 principles.
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
Since I have just finished 31 years at the same church, I will concentrate more on the latter.
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
The personal life of the pastor includes having:
- 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
The relationship aspect, necessary for longevity, includes:
- Integrity
- Competency
- Trustworthiness
- Wisdom
- Consistent emotion
- Adding value to people’s lives
During the next few weeks, I want to look at each of these 12 principles.
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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 parteLideri care rezistă, Partea 1Líderes que Duram, Parte 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 GodLíderes que perduran, parte 3Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 3-aLíderes que Duram, 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 JoyJoy Beyond CircumstancesLeaders Who Last Part 4Líderes que perduran, parte 4Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 4-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 4वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 4القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الرابعThe Joy of Access to GodOvercoming Internal StrugglesThe Shepherd Who ComfortsExperiencing the Fullness of JoyBuilding RelationshipsThe Reality of PersecutionObedience through LoveLideri care rezistă, Partea a 5-aLíderes que perduran, parte 5वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 5Líderes que Duram, Parte 5القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الخامسLeaders Who Last Part 5The 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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