8 Thoughts for Younger Pastors from an Older One

On April 1, I celebrate 40 years in ministry. I started pastoring when I was 20 years old, and I desperately needed help and guidance—though I didn’t realize it enough in those days. Here are some of my thoughts for young pastors and staff today: 

1. The zealous battle you fight today may not seem so important years from now. I remember now some of the battles I fought with a vengeance when I was a young pastor, and I wonder today, “Why did I think that was so important back then?” 
2. Every word you write on social media can come back to haunt you. For example, every church I know that’s looking for a new staff member reviews Facebook, Twitter, etc., to see what potential candidates have posted. And, it takes only one silly post to raise a committee’s questions. 
3. It will be tempting to compare yourself to others and quietly promote self rather than point to Jesus alone. I trust no minister of the gospel would do that knowingly—but some do it somewhat quietly as they talk about their accomplishments and let others know about their church’s growth. It’s a temptation for all of us. 
4. It’s not your responsibility to impress with your knowledge and teaching ability; it is to communicate the gospel clearly. If folks listen to your sermon and recognize your skill but have little idea what you actually said, you haven’t accomplished much as a minister of the gospel. 
5. You’re neither as strong a leader as you think you are some days or as weak a leader as you might feel on other days. All of us have good days and bad days. So, arrogance doesn’t work, but neither does discouragement. The best pastors continually press on, and they do so in humility and persistence.  
6. When you stop learning and growing personally, you stop leading your people to be disciples. At no point do we fully “arrive” as a pastor. We need to be continually growing. . . . always . . . especially those of us who have access and opportunity for additional training and studies. 
7. Some of you will not finish well—and those who do won’t do so by accident. Nobody finishes well without intentionality to finish well this day and tomorrow and the next day (and, if you want to learn characteristics of men I’ve known who finished well, check out this post). 
8. You’re replaceable. So am I. God’s work is much bigger than we are. The continued existence and growth of His church are not dependent on us. He chooses to use us because He’s gracious, not because of our expertise or ability. 

Veteran pastors, what would you add to this list?