Eight Life Lessons
Eight years ago I was serving a wonderful church in a wonderful place called Ozona, Texas. We loved that place and loved the people. I had no intentions of going anywhere. Unbeknownst to me, God had a plan to move my family to Arkansas. We began this chapter of our ministry in August 2013. Here are a few things God has taught me over the past eight years:
As pastors, we do our best work when we love where we are.
Before God called us to our first church I was willing to go anywhere; I just wanted to serve. Leading God’s people is an incredible privilege wherever I have been located. However, I am especially thankful to be where I am. I love our community in the River Valley and I love First Baptist Van Buren. If I can’t say as a pastor that I love where I live, something is wrong.
Leaders need teams.
It doesn’t matter how gifted a single leader is, without the right team that leader is limited. With the right team even an average leader can be great. I’m thankful for the team we have at First Baptist Van Buren. I believe we are building one of the best ministry teams in the state.
God’s work never lacks God’s provision.
I’ve watched God provide to pay off millions in debt, I’ve watched God provide for key staff members. I’ve watched God provide for ministry needs year after year and I’ve watched God help our church meet our budget during a year of massive upheaval (also known as 2020—although 2021 is shaping up to be almost as crazy). And all of God’s provision has come in answer to prayer. Prayer provides access to the limitless power of God. How foolish are we to ignore the unbelievable resources God has made available to us?
God seldom works according to my timetable but that doesn’t mean He isn’t working.
God has done many things much slower than I would have liked. At other times, God has moved in surprising ways that are far more instant than I would have imagined. Don’t assume that you know how God is working. Just know that when you are faithful in prayer and the ministry of the Word, God is working.
Church trends are about as silly and transitory as fashion trends.
Even over my short tenure I’ve watched ministry fads come and go. Sure, we can adapt methods and innovate to reach new people but there is a difference between this and desperately copying every trend that comes along. Faithfulness is more important than being “cool.” Churches need to be confident in their unique identity. We can thank God for the way He uses other churches without having to try and duplicate their ministries.
People reach people.
Programs don’t reach people. Buildings don’t reach people. Events don’t reach people. There is such an under appreciated power to a personal invitation. Never underestimate how God might use a simple invitation.
Perseverance may be the most underrated virtue in ministry.
The first invitation, the first announcement, or the first event may not succeed. Carry on and strive to learn grow and improve but never quit doing the very basics of ministry. Share the Gospel. Pray. Preach the Word. Love people. Just because you can’t see the fruit doesn’t mean God isn’t working.
Don’t take it personally.
When people leave your church it really isn’t the kind of personal affront it feels like. On the flip side, when people join your church, don’t take that personally either. Sometimes the people who will enthusiastically sing your praises will soon sound a sour note. Don’t take it personally. Sometimes people will criticize an idea you have or a decision you make but don’t take it personally. Often it has very little to do with you. Often it isn’t about you. Frankly, you’re just not that important. It is a rare individual who will wake up each day with the unending obsession to ruin your life and ministry. Even your fiercest critics probably have more of a life than that. Don’t take it personally.
These are just some of the high points. I hope you found them encouraging. I’m looking forward to seeing what God continues to do (and what I continue to learn)!