10 Reflections on 40 years of Ministry, Part 1

Today, forty years ago, I began my first full-time ministry role as pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Harrison, Ohio. I was single, still an undergraduate student, and thoroughly lacking ministry skills. For whatever reason, God chose to use me in that role. Today and tomorrow, I pray my reflections are an encouragement to you:

1. I do what I do because of the grace of God. I wouldn’t have understood that truth back in April 1981, but I do now. Ministry is a responsibility, but it’s primarily a gift from God.
2. God is faithful . . . always. Like the psalmist, I look back and find no place where God has not been faithful in guiding me, strengthening me, and forgiving me. He has always held on to me, even when I’ve struggled. 
3. The Word of God is powerful. I’ve known that truth intellectually (Heb 4:12), but I’ve also seen the Word do its work on hardened and disobedient lives. More than once, I’ve met someone who became a believer simply through reading the Word. 
4. God and His people are really patient. I’m still learning lessons about walking with the Lord and leading people four decades into this work—some that I should have learned a long time ago. I’m grateful for patient grace. 
5. Some of God’s people are problematic, but most of them are wonderful people. Every church has the few who seem to always be in the middle of conflict, but they’re far outnumbered by the many who walk with the Lord, love their church, and support their pastor. 
6. Ministry can hurt . . . a lot . . . but the joy it brings is deeper still. More than once, I’ve thought about quitting ministry (stay tuned for tomorrow’s post), but the joys of seeing lives changed—including my mom’s life most recently—keep me going. 
7. I’m much more a global thinker because of ministry. From the women’s missions leader who challenged me to learn about missions, to my first missions trip, to my work now with the International Mission Board, my perspective is much bigger because of ministry. And, my burden for the nations is much greater. 
8. I’m “not all that.” I thought I was when I started ministry at age 20. Over the years, though, personal experience has shown me otherwise. I’m just a forgiven child of God clinging to Him. 
9. Ministry as a single adult was good, but ministry as a married man has been better. I was single the first ten years I pastored. Frankly, I had more time to be with church members and to focus on ministry in those days; still, I’m certain I’ve been more effective with my wife by my side. 
10. A call to ministry might take you in multiple directions. I knew I was called to preach at age 13. What I couldn’t have known then is that call would lead me to serve as assistant and senior pastor, seminary professor and dean, missionary team leader, and interim pastor. God has been there all the way.  

Veteran pastors, what would you add to this list?