I have been at Christ For The Nations (where I went to school) for an ALUMNI/FMC CONF. I was asked to speak for little bit in a third year class at Youth For The Nations. This was done along with Ron & Judy Radachy from the The Oasis in Hollywood. We talked and told our stories of youth ministry and then came the question and answer time. The teacher asked us how we have stayed in youth ministry so long. Hence the title. I cannot get this question off of my mind so I thought I would write out my answer.
1. Know that you know you are called by God. (not grandma, or even the need).
- The call of God does not guarantee ease of ministry it just guarantees that He will see you through all the tough times.
- NEVER LOSE YOUR FIRST LOVE. We were all Christians way before we were ever Pastors, lets think, love, and act like Christ followers.
2. Marry the right person.
- Can you do ministry single? of course. There are too many challenges in this to talk about here but know it is still possible.
- Since these thoughts are about longevity the comparison to marriage really works.
- The right person for a life partner makes or breaks a lot of ministry.
- It is tough to always be torn in ministry. Ministry or my wife (husband)?? It is not a questions of which one. The right answer is both.
- Marry the right one.
3. Decide to stay in the game.
- Quitting cannot be in your vocabulary. Notice I did not say in your mind.
- Make the decision to stay in the game daily and the decision will make you.
4. Get coached, mentored, discipled . . . which ever term floats your boat.
- This is the Jesus way.
- Learn from others mistakes
“Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes.” Oscar Wilde
- This is more than just getting the latest and greatest idea from someone or even going to conferences.
5. Be followable. (I know that is not a word)
- Check out 1 Corinthians 11:1)
- Of course this is more than just getting people to follow you. (that is good)
- Have the kind of character that others would want to copy.
WE TEACH WHAT WE KNOW, BUT WE REPRODUCE WHO WE ARE.
6. Have the right kind of thinking about numbers. (COUNTING AND MONEY).
- Always look at growth in percentages. Think and speak percentages publicly and privately think and speak faith number.
- God is into numbers (whole book in the Bible) so know that growth is what He wants.
- Be comfortable with money and those who have it.
- INTEGRITY, INTEGRITY, INTEGRITY
Longevity is what makes the most impact.
Ed
2 comments:
Ed,
I can see how important it is to be productive from a longevity aspect. Longevity = endurance. I equate to that because I know you are writing this article from a ministry perspective, and I see a lot of parallels with that to my team roping. I finally got mentored by a national champion last summer, and still, he is my mentor and has helped me in a lot of ways to improve. I am not the same person as I was before, but still lots of room to grow, just like in ministry.
I am really glad that even though we are lead Pastors we still get to influence this generation! I am also really glad I married the right person!!! I love you.
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