Posts with the tag “calling”

**Scripture:** “And he said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.’” - Mark 4:26 (ESV)Every time we share the gospel, we scatter seeds of faith. Sometimes these seeds take root, and sometimes they don’t, but that doesn’t mean our efforts were in vain. Just like the man preaching at the gates of Sodom, we must remember that our calling is to share, not necessarily to...  Read More

Leaders Who Last: A mission within that callingAfter 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 lifeA calling to ministryA mission within that callingA Godly definition of successA di...  Read More

Leaders Who Last: A calling to ministryAccording to a recent survey by George Barna, 38% of pastors have considered quitting in the past year. It seems ministry is harder than it needs to be. However, leaving or running to another problem situation is not the answer. After all, if your church did not have problems, they wouldn’t need you.After 31 years at the same church and 9 at my previous churc...  Read More

We must define the win. If the win is defined by the world, such as, money, fame, numbers (alone), your sense of mission will wane with time and pressure.John 15:4,5 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that ...  Read More

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 lifeA calling to ministryA mission within that callingA Godly definition of successA disciplined lifeA willingness to changeA security...  Read More

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 dedicatio...  Read More