Friday, September 30, 2016

LESSON 27 - FUN

I've spent the entire month of September blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Nothing about it has been rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.  Today is the last entry.

Lesson #27 - Have fun.

Don't take everything so seriously.

Relax about stuff.

Live each day to the fullest.

Be thankful for what you've been given.

Enjoy life.  You only get this one.

And be blessed.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

LESSON 26 - SHORTCOMINGS

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Nothing about it is rocket science -- they're just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #26 - Be honest with your own shortcomings.

Decades ago people thought it unwise or wrong as a leader to say you had problems or faults.

The generation that is on us today knows something the church largely denied for decades.  Church leaders aren't in their positions because they're absent of sin, temptations, desires or failures.  They've seen too many scandals in the church to believe that anymore.

They aren't looking for perfection (thank goodness). They're looking for open and honest conversation about personal struggles.  They're looking for genuineness, realness, a willingness to admit and confess shortcomings and then tell how the faithfulness and work of God has shown up in those areas.

Sure, there's wisdom with all of this.  There's no virtue in heaving out all your Tuesday sins to the world.  Nobody wants to hear that and that isn't what I'm talking about.

It's the honest, vulnerable unravelling of our frailties, flaws and limitations and our expressed need for the grace of God.  People don't love you less when you do that.

And be blessed.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

LESSON 25 - OUT




During September I'm blogging every day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Nothing about it is rocket science -- they're just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #25 - What's in you comes out of you.

It's so easy to blame someone else for your responses.

'She makes me so mad.'

'I wouldn't have said that if he wouldn't have . . . '

'The only reason I act like that is because of what she does.'

No.

What just happened is that person revealed what was already in you.  They didn't put it there or drag it out -- it was already living under your skin.

I know that's hard to hear.

But you've never made a choice in your life that wasn't precisely what you wanted to do at that moment.  Every action - every reaction - every decision - you've ever made has been, at the moment you made it, exactly what you wanted to do.

It was the lesser of two evils.
It was the better of two goods.
It was the right choice for the occasion in your mind and heart.

Always.

You may have thought better of it five minutes after, but at that moment it was just what you wanted to do.

This is why Jesus said: 'Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'  
It's why Paul repeated it:  'Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.'  Evidently your mind has a spirit - the way it does things - the things it thinks about - the ways it prefers.

It is that spirit that you and I act out of every day.  It isn't because someone made you respond the way you did.

It was already in you.

So be on guard.  Because what's in you comes out of you.

And be blessed.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

LESSON 24 - FLOOR

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Nothing about it is rocket science -- they're just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #24 - Leave something on the floor.

You're gonna love this one.

It's been one of the hardest lessons for me to learn over the years.  Mostly because I'm pretty sure I'm brilliant.  I'm also the only one who's 'pretty sure' about that.

This is great instruction for your preaching -- for conversation -- for email and texting -- for advice giving and counsel -- for communicating with a friend or a spouse -- you name it.

You have all this amazing, not to mention cool insight you want to pass on to everyone who obviously knows much less than you.  It all really needs to be said - preached - shared - measured out - spewed - vomited.

Yeah, you probably need to learn to leave 90% of that on the floor.

And be blessed.

Monday, September 26, 2016

LESSON 23 - CARDS

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Nothing about it is rocket science -- they're just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #23 - Sometimes you lay your cards down last.

There are a lot of people on our team who have better ideas than I do.  I very often give them the opportunity to share their input before I share mine.

If you always lead with your own ideas, you risk choking off the ideas of others on your team.

Several years back our team worked thru a two-year process of re-imagining our mission, church purposes, core values and ministry model.  We did it together, all hunkered around a table for months and months presenting, debating, arguing, making up, going at it again -- and ultimately coming out with a vision that is carrying us forward years beyond.

Respectfully, I've watched other leaders with their group at team tables leading so far out front the team didn't see a reason to give input.  Their creative ideas and God-thoughts were shut down.

It doesn't advance the organization or the Gospel.

Leaders are visionaries.  But when they walk into a room and spill the whole plan with no feedback or hope of real involvement from the rest of their usually very smart team, the team realizes their input is unnecessary or unwanted.

Sometimes when you save your cards till the end you're able to glean some extremely critical input that otherwise you would have missed.  And now and then, you don't have to play your cards at all.

And be blessed.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

LESSON 22 - THINK

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Nothing about it is rocket science -- they're just tips that have served me well these past three decades.


Lesson #22 - You know less than you think.

I'm not talking about you; I mean me.  I'm sure you know all kinds of junk.

When you come into a role, you have loads of ideas.  You're sure they'll work.  Even if the former six leaders tried all those things, you're positive they won't fail when you, the Master of the Universe, attempts them.

I mean, I'm dynamic.  And passionate.  I know how to turn things around.  Things go gold when I touch them.

Umm.  Not even close.

Leading is more about listening and becoming a student than it is being The Teacher.

You know a lot, I'm sure, but you know a lot less than you think.

And be blessed.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

LESSON 21 - QUIT

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Nothing about it is rocket science -- they're just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #21 - There will be some days you'll want to quit and do something easier.

Nothing is as rewarding as ministry.  Nothing is as frustrating as ministry.  Nothing is as fulfilling as ministry.  Nothing is as draining as ministry.  Nothing brings you as much joy as ministry.  Nothing brings you as much pain as ministry.

Know that you are called.  You'll need that one on days you want to hang it up.

Don't worry about what the church down the street is doing.  Bless them.  Don't compare yourself to someone else.  Bless them.

Just love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength -- and pray as hard as you work on all the other stuff you do.  Commit your way to God and He'll direct you.  The steps of a righteous person are arranged by God.

But nobody ever said it was going to be a cake walk.  (I'm not really sure what a cake walk is, but I'm pretty certain it's easier than doing ministry.)

And be blessed.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

LESSON 20 - SOMEBODY

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Nothing about it is rocket science -- they're just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #20 - Don't try to be somebody you aren't.

To my discredit I've tried to do this from time to time - be somebody else.  It was always someone I deeply admired -- their personality -- their approach to ministry -- the way they handle conflict -- their preaching style -- I've tried to be somebody else.

I found I could keep that up -- for about 72 hours.  And the whole time I looked like a complete moron to everybody around me.

Plus, I go home exhausted every night.

Just be you, for heaven's sake.  God likes you the way you are.

And be blessed.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

LESSON 19 - MODEL



During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.



Lesson #19 - Model everything.

It's a tough job but somebody has to do it.  That somebody is you if you're the leader -- for your church -- for your family -- for your ministry.

I challenge our own team with this concept.  Model it all, ladies and gentlemen.

Model worship.
Model serving.
Model community.
Model sacrificial giving.
Model prayer.
Model telling people about Jesus.
Model healthy family life.
Model everything.

As they say, 'That's why you get the big bucks.'

And be blessed.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

LESSON 18 - LOVER

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #18 - Every leader needs a lover.

Just make sure it's your wife (or husband).

I have seen more tragedies than I want to admit over the past 30 years of people who started well and finished poorly in this area.

Pray to have eyes only for your wife/husband.

Do date nights.
Take her to the spa.
Have regular vacations.  Don't 'work hard' and then 'vacation hard.'  That's a terrible rhythm of life.
Write spontaneous notes.

You get the idea.  You did it when you were dating, so I know you know how to do it.  Just keep on doing it.

The grass isn't greener on the other side; it's greenest wherever you water it.

And be blessed.

Monday, September 19, 2016

LESSON 17 - NOTHING



During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #18 - Nothing is as good as it seems; nothing is as bad as it seems.

This one has taken me awhile - I'm still learning through it - but when it's all going wrong, it isn't going as wrong as you think, so don't beat yourself up over it.  Relax.  There's always tomorrow.  

And when it's going so great that you're ready to bronze yourself in the lobby, step back - it isn't going THAT great.  Really.  Deflate your head.  Honestly, we should regularly and consistently do an ego-mania self-check.

But either way, it has less to do with you than you think.

When your team succeeds, give them the credit.  When they fail, take some blame.  It just works.  Don't over-think that.  It just works.

And be blessed.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

LESSON 16 - IMPRESSION

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #16 - You never get a second chance at a first impression.

I've said to our team on a number of occasions - and I'll say it here and merely leave it at this - 'We cannot afford to have a bad day.'

And be blessed.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

LESSON 15 - SAME

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #15 - Be the same person at home as you are at the office.

Because little eyes watch ... little ears listen ... not to mention big eyes watch and listen, too.

Be real.  Be authentic.  Be genuine.  Have integrity.  Be the same person in private as you are when nobody's looking.

I once had a conversation with one of our daughters about something she was involved in that I didn't approve of.  During the course of the conversation she said to me:  "Dad, I think you're more concerned about YOUR reputation than you are about mine.'

Ouch.

My children will be more apt to love the Lord if I do.

We always tried to teach our kids that their choices and decisions should first be made because they were Christ-followers, not because their Dad was a pastor.

I've come to discover my children will be more apt to love the Lord ... if I do.

Be the same person at home as you are in the office.

And be blessed.

Friday, September 16, 2016

LESSON 14 - TRUST

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson 14 - Re-building trust is way more difficult than keeping established trust.

The most valuable asset you have is trust.

Do what you say you're going to do.  Be a person of your word.  Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and your 'no' be 'no.'

Communicate frequently and honestly, even when the news isn't good.  Poor communication is one of the reasons trust breaks down.

Trust isn't built in a day.  It takes some time.  That's why it's devastating when trust is broken.  It isn't just the trust itself that got wrecked, it's the valuable time you both spent building it.

If you value relationships over personal success, trust takes the fast track.

We're all after results in whatever we do, but the foundation for getting results is having a basis of trust on your team.  You can't have effective accountability or healthy mastering of conflict or strong commitments - something we all desperately want with those we work - unless you have trust.  Trust comes first.  

Show people you care.  When people know you care about them, they'll trust you quickly.  

And be blessed.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

LESSON 13 - THANKS

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #13 - Say 'thanks' as often as you can in every way you can.

For a long time - I think it was at least a year - when our team gathered for weekly prayer and devos, we gave everyone a thank you card to write to someone in our church whom they had seen do something special that week - serve somewhere - hold a door open - be gracious - etc.

So for a whole year, at least 30 people got thanked each and every week.

That's pretty special.

Try it.  People never get tired of hearing 'Thank you.'

And be blessed.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

LESSON 12 - RESPECT

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #12 - Respect what each person brings to the team.

These kinds of things need to be said out loud to one another.  I've always been good with this on paper, but heartfelt and honest praise needs to be given in front of team members with everybody present in the room, not just one-on-one.  It needs to be said so big groups of people hear how you feel about the people you work with, without seeming sappy or passing out meaningless flattery.

We did an exercise with our team one day where we went around the table and every person told one thing about every other person that was praiseworthy.

"Here's what you bring to the team that the team cannot do without.  Here's how you make us better."

That was a great day.  I'll never forget it and I don't think any of the other team members will either.

And be blessed.

Monday, September 12, 2016

LESSON 11 - APOLOGY



During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #11 - Master the art of apology.

... and I really do think this one is an art.

Be big enough and Godly enough to admit when you're wrong and do everything in your power to make it right.  Often that requires a heartfelt apology.

'Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.'  (Ephesians 4:32)

That isn't exclusive to your family or church, sometimes that's with members of your own team.  It's a strong team that can master the art of apology among themselves.

We don't apologize nearly as often as we should.

I have been blogging for nearly a decade now.  Years ago I composed a blog post where I wrote about teams.  In it, I borrowed an illustration from a pastor who said there are times teams can be lazy.  I used that in my blog.  I didn't have my own team in mind when I posted it.  Not at all, but I felt the lesson was a valid one to share.  Some of our team regularly reads my blog and when some of them saw it, they thought I was talking about them.  I found this out a few days later just as they were headed to my home for a staff meeting.  I was alerted by one of the team members that I had hurt the team by my words.  I was horrified and ashamed.  I hadn't meant for the illustration to apply to them personally, but as I re-read it with that eye, I could see how it could be taken that way.  Our team works harder than any team I have been around.  They aren't lazy in the least.  I'm proud of how hard they all work.  I had about ten minutes to fix it.  I deleted the original post and published a new blog about how amazing our team is and how thankful I was for each of them.  When they arrived at my house and sat on the furniture to begin the meeting, I opened with the discovery of what I had done to them.  I remember apologizing to them one-by-one, working around the room looking at each in the eyes and asking for forgiveness.  It was a heart-wrenching and embarrassing time for me, but I knew I had to do it to restore and keep trust among the team.

We don't apologize nearly as often as we should.  We just let it pass and hope everyone will forget and move on without the benefit of the apology.

If the leader admits his/her mistakes, followers are far more likely to do the same.

AND ... if I had the inclination to add a number 11 1/2, it would be:  Sometimes as a leader, you have to eat some crow.

And be blessed.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

LESSON 10 - PRAY

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #10 - Pray God-sized prayers

Big vision doesn't scare God.  And big vision inspires everybody around you.  Vision isn't about where you are right now.  It's about where you want to be.

Big vision isn't accomplished either relatively easily or overnight with resources you currently have at your disposal.  If it could be, the vision would be too small.

Dream big.  Pray God-sized prayers.

God wants an opportunity to move on your behalf.  Praying small prayers reflects the size of your God.  God is honored by you and me praying huge prayers.

What are you expecting to happen that can only happen if God shows up?  

Ask Him for that.

And be blessed.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

LESSON 9 - FIGHTS

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #9 - All fights are bad.  Some fights are necessary.

Now, some of you reading this LIKE to fight, so you're going to have to be more careful in this area than others.  In my past years I used to like to fight just for the sake of it.  I never think it fun at all anymore.

What's to like about it?

Winning?  You don't win.
Reputation?  You've already ruined it.
Justification?  You'd have justified yourself better by being quiet and letting them wonder why you weren't fighting back.

I didn't make it up but it's worth repeating here ---- pick your battles carefully because every hill isn't worth dying on.  But every now and then, one is.

And be blessed.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

LESSON 8 - SEND

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned in 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just tips that have served me well these past three decades.

Lesson #8 - Don't hit 'send'

It's been years ago now, thank goodness, but it has to be my most embarrassing moment in ministry.  I'm only hoping the person to whom I did this doesn't read this blog.

I received an email from someone inquiring about something.  In an effort to get full information, I was attempting to forward the email to a friend with some notes of my own attached that were not favorable toward this person.  Admittedly, the words I was sharing were not words I would have said to this person face-to-face.  My comments were more friend-to-friend counsel, but no-holds barred, gut level kinds of things you say to a friend and nobody else about the situation ---- and ---- you're way ahead of me here ---- rather than hit 'forward,' I hit 'reply.'

Yeah.

Uh-huh.

Right.

Three egg, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink omelet on my face.

It was one of the worst days in my 35 years of connecting with people.


DON'T HIT "SEND!"


So in a roundabout way I use that illustration to make this Lesson #8 -- to say that if you absolutely have to send a tough e-mail to someone, send it a trusted friend first to get feedback (which I was trying to do).

And ask yourself, 'Am I being too blunt here?  Is there a better way to say this?  Is it arrogant at all?  Could I be taken wrong in this e-mail reply?'

Get some third party counsel before you reply.

And ... double and triple check BEFORE YOU HIT "SEND."

Don't be a Kevin Taylor on this one.

And be blessed.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

LESSON 7 - SLEEP

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned in 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just elementary tips that have served me well these three decades.

Lesson #7 - Sleep on it.

I found out in the first three days of ministry way back in the Summer of '81 that conflicts were going to be part of life in ministry -- and learning to manage them would be one of the great leadership skills of life.

As A. Stanley has said:  'Not everything is a problem to be solved; some things are tensions to be managed.'

For instance, I've never figured out how to balance family and ministry.  When you figure that out, make sure to let me in on it.  I don't know how to teach my team to balance it either.  But I expect them to manage the tension of it in a healthy way.  In fact, I want them to become experts at managing it.

Another managed tension is conflict with others.  Eventually somebody is going to do something - say something - be rude, hurtful, careless or all of the above.  If you're like me, which you probably aren't, you want to call that person and let them have it.

So one of the best things I've learned in ministry is to ... sleep on it.



Things almost always look different in the morning.


But when I take some time to process, chew on it, reflect, get counsel and pray about what God wants from me, I always end up coming away less irritated than I was initially.

I don't mean we should procrastinate having crucial conversations because we need to deal with conflicts.  So I'm not saying to brush it aside.  I'm saying count to 10 ... or 1,000 ... or maybe even in some situations count to one million.  That should do it.

And sleep on it.

Because I'll tell you, things almost always look different in the morning.

And be blessed.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

LESSON 6 - BEST

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just elementary tips that have served me well these three decades.

Lesson #6 - Always believe the best.

Honestly, this works for any and every relationship and situation -- with your friends -- with your neighbors -- with your spouse -- with your team -- even with strangers.  It's a life choice with everyone you meet all the time.

For instance, let's talk with 'strangers.'

I've had people cut me off in traffic.  You could simply ignore it, but there isn't anything particularly redeeming about disregarding.  Let's be bigger than that.

Having said that, there are two choices.  Glare at them and call them a 'moron,' at least to yourself if not worse.  Or 'believe the best.'

Here's how you do that on a practical level.  You create an instant story - in your head - about their situation.  (To yourself):  I bet his wife is laying in the back seat right now in heavy labor.  He's rushing to get her to the hospital before she makes the second seat of the Ford Taurus into Community General.  For instance.

Said another way, in every circumstance and situation you have two choices:  Assume the worst - or Believe the best.


There's just something so JESUS about believing the best.


When you assume the worst, you always get to be right.

'I knew he was going to do that.'
'I already figured she would say that.'

You get to be right.  But there's almost always more information you don't know.  And when you believe the best, you put them in a good light and your spirit gets to breathe.  I can't find an exact Scripture on it, but there's just something so JESUS about it.

Believe the best.

And be blessed.  

Monday, September 5, 2016

LESSON 5 - DISCOURAGEMENT

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just elementary tips that have served me well these three decades.

Lesson #5 - Don't dwell on discouragement.

Everybody gets discouraged.  I say that because it makes me feel better that it's everybody, not just me.  I'm a little happier when I know everybody's miserable.

But I've learned our enemy users discouragement in our lives big time.  Discouragement distracts us from our God-given vision and it detours us in fulfilling our calling.

And while it's true everybody gets discouraged, some people stay that way.  And it's important not to.

We have a small prayer room in our church lobby.  Sometimes I'll make the short walk over there from my office during the day when I need to give something to God.  I can give it to Him anywhere, but sometimes for whatever reason that small space makes it easier.

Because I know that I can't stay stuck.  I have to let God turn that around.

I know that I can't stay stuck.

To help Him, I keep a little file of cards and letters and thank yous and printed e-mails people have written me over the years.  I pull out that file whenever I need a good shot.

Here's one of those notes.  It's a short one.  It's a little unconventional, but it makes me smile and that's exactly the point.  It's a pick-me-up, if a backhanded one:

"PK, I like listening to you because when I leave I don't want to throw up in my mouth like I do with most preachers."

Ummm.  OK.  I'll take that.

Don't let discouragement get you down.

'Be strong and let your heart take courage.'  (Psalm 31:24)

And be blessed.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

LESSON 4 - TALKED


During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just elementary tips that have served me well these three decades.

Lesson #4 -- When someone brings a complaint against another, first ask:  "Have you talked to that person about this?"

Perhaps this seems a no-brainer but every now and then, although we'd never admit it, I think we believe the Bible doesn't apply to us.  Like the above.

Keep the Word alive, practical and demonstrable in your life.  Even when it's hard.  Especially when it's hard.  Like the above.

And be blessed.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

LESSON 3 - LISTEN

During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just elementary tips that have served me well these three decades.

LESSON 3 - Listen to the right voices.

Proverbs says, 'Where there is no guidance, people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.'  (Proverbs 11:14)

There will be those in your path who constantly gush with encouragement over you.  They'll love you and praise everything you do and say.

There are others who, if you went out to the local pond and walked across the top of the water from one shore to the other, wouldn't find much good in it.

So with both coming at you, it's important to listen.

More voices is better than less voices.

We need to listen to dissenting opinions because nobody's right 100% of the time - that means me - and that means you.  Often we feel when someone disagrees with our ideas or vision that they're attacking us.  I've seen that happen a thousand times.

The reality is, we already have an enemy, and he isn't a church person or our neighbor.

There is great value and power in the collaboration of ideas, thoughts and perspectives.  If we discount that, we risk become narrow-minded -- even blind.  We can become isolated.  

In order to make the best and most informed decisions, more voices is better than less voices.  

And remember, the voice of the Holy Spirit is your most important voice partner.  So listen.

And be blessed.

Friday, September 2, 2016

LESSON 2 - SHEEP


During September I'm blogging each day about one thing I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  Not rocket science -- just elementary tips that have served me well these three decades.

Lesson 2 - A leader has to be ready to have his heart broken occasionally - even wounded - and still stay soft ----- because sheep bite sometimes.

It happens.

The couple you faithfully poured into for years decide to end their marriage.

The person you prayed with over and over turns their back on God and walks away.

The friend you knew had your back through thick and thin left your church, won't talk to you, and now he's talking to others about you.

A guy you had regular lunches with finally tells you what a rotten leader you are.

One of the great challenges of ministry is keeping a tender heart after it gets broken.  But I'll urge you to do just that.

One of the great challenges of ministry is keeping a tender heart after it gets broken.

The alternative is bitterness, hard-heartedness and cynicism ... none of those useful to the Kingdom of God or descriptive of Jesus.

There's great value in taking some of your difficulties to a mentor who can 'hear you out' and 'guide you through.'

There's safety in a number of counselors.  Someone really wise once said that.  I admit that every now and then I just need to cry into the phone.  It works; and it works better than hardening my heart.

Commit to staying soft.

And be blessed.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

LESSON 1 - SIZE

It's September 1st.  This month my blog goal is to share one simple thing each day that I've learned from 35 years of doing ministry.  These will not be lessons ala rocket science -- just elementary tips that have served me well these three decades plus.

Here goes.

Lesson #1 ... Success cannot be determined by size.

Our first church to serve as full-time pastors was in Northern Illinois back in 1981.  It was running about 400 on a weekend.  Great people.  Super loving.  Awesome youth group of about 40 students that we had the distinct privilege to youth pastor.  Some of them are in full-time ministry today.  We're so proud of them.

The two congregations we served after that hovered right around the 1,000 mark.  Also great churches with amazing folks.  We learned so much at both places that has shaped us today.

Where we are currently runs just under 3,000 at two campuses.  I guess that's big.  Depends on your perspective.

You don't have to be big to be blessed.

But I've come to understand that God accomplished and continues accomplishing transformational, supernatural things in the lives of people in all those locations.  They all love God, they all serve with big hearts, they all give sacrificially, they're all making an impact in their communities, they're all on their knees as believers who want more of God.

You don't have to be big to be blessed.

Just because you're big doesn't mean you're healthy.  Last time I looked the fastest growing things in my garden were the weeds.  There are some cool things about big, but big also has more problems.

On the other hand, just because something's big hardly means it's automatically unhealthy.

So I've come to have great respect and honor for my brothers and sisters in Christ who pastor and lead and serve and do life in small, medium-sized and large churches.  Humongous ones, too.

And be blessed.