Planning For A Long Ministry

Posted on 18. Mar, 2009 by frank in faith

I have been privileged to know Paul Williams for about 8 years now. He’s a genuine Pastor of pastors that has a passion for the Northeast and an excitement for church planting. We are so lucky to have a guy like Paul in our corner. He spoke at our pastor’s luncheon today and spoke about a topic that we all needed to hear… “Planning For A Long Ministry.”

Here are his main points:

1. Stay

• It takes a long time to get a new ship up to speed. It takes even longer to turn around an old ship and bring it to a new direction.
• Make sure YOU are not the obstacle to change and growth.
• Do not attempt to do ministry without a mentor.

2. Listen

• Pay attention to your environment. Read voraciously, think critically, and avoid “how to” books, except when absolutely necessary.
• Listen to what people affirm about you. In their praise you will see the shadow areas in which you need to grow – those realms in which they are not affirming you.
• Listen to the people who are the “players” but beware of being co-opted by their agendas, but learn to respect their key intelligences.

3. Trust

• Hire slowly and well, looking at character, chemistry, and competence.
• Make sure your staff have a strong frame of reference and turn them loose.
• Stick to managing the ends, not the means.
• Trust the paradoxical truth that is not about you, except when it is about you.

4. Search

• Hold your understanding of truth lightly. Many things you think are essential are not, and vice versa.
• Believe the truth will set you free.
• In your ministry, find where the “world’s deep hunger meets your deep gladness.” That is where God calls you.
• As Karl Rahner suggests, search for meaning over the long haul of a lifetime, not the short span of a decade or two.

5. Love

• You enter the world alone and leave it alone, but there is one person who remains throughout your entire adult life – your spouse. Put that person first.
• Give your best to your children. There is plenty of time to make your mark on the broader world after they have left home.
• Keep friendships for a lifetime. And recognize the deepest ones will often be outside the church.
• Risk loving, and anticipate the pain.

Paul, thanks for your authenticity and care. Your ministry means a lot for our churches and our staff.