Words of advice to a young minister
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When I speak at conferences, young people often approach me after my sessions to tell me that they sense God is calling them into Christian ministry and to ask for advice. Speaking to young people who are zealous in their walk with the Lord is a great joy! Because I have those conversations so frequently, I thought I'd share some of the advice I typically give.
#1 Congratulations for acknowledging that you have much to learn!
Asking for advice is a huge first step! I can't tell you how many young adults I have encountered who acted as if they already had all the answers. I was the president of a seminary for 13 years, and I saw all kinds of students during my tenure. Some regularly stopped by my office to ask for guidance. Others never did. In class, some asked earnest questions. Others made smug, condescending pronouncements. It quickly became clear which students had a bright future ahead of them and which ones likely didn't. Success in ministry requires a humble posture and a teachable spirit.
#2 Focus on being rather than doing.
As a young leader, it's tempting to focus on what you're going to do, but your primary concern ought to be who you're going to become.Your future ministry will be based less on your leadership skills than on the quality of your character. I have known seminary students who could deliver an excellent sermon but lacked people skills. I have known straight-A students who offended everyone they encountered. A godly character will take you further than skills alone can.
When you are young, many areas of your character may still be underdeveloped. You might be insecure. I certainly was. I wasn't a good preacher, and I lacked confidence. It took time (years) to develop confidence not just in myself but in the God who had called me. Some young ministers may struggle with fear, pride, or weak people skills. These issues, if left unchecked, will derail your ministry. Aggressively address these shortcomings as early as you can.
#3 Be faithful in a little.
The single most important advice I give to aspiring ministers is to be faithful in a little. If you cannot be faithful with a little, why would anyone trust you with more?
When I was a pastor, a young man asked me if I would make him the Sunday school director. The problem (well, one of them) was that he didn't attend Sunday school. When I pointed out that inconvenient fact, he assured me that he wouldstart attending if he was the director! I said no. He had to demonstrate that he was a good student before I would even consider moving him into a leadership position. He never attended a single class.
At times, the best way to discern whether someone can lead well is by watching to see if they can follow well.
I was born during the glut of the Baby Boom. When I began my ministry training, seminary enrollment was at record levels. Everyone was looking for a place to serve. My wife Lisa and I couldn't find any "prestigious" jobs available, so we joined a small Sunday school class and attended faithfully each week. The teacher worked a graveyard shift and often showed up to class exhausted and unprepared. We considered finding a different class. There were other, larger groups that seemed to be having a lot more fun than we were. But we thought it would be unkind to abandon our well-intentioned, overwhelmed teacher, so we stuck it out.
Eventually, the teacher graduated from seminary and moved away. The department director approached me and asked if I would take over the class. By that point, there were only two couples still attending (including us). I said yes, and the Lord began to bless our class. Eventually, we were averaging more than 40 students each week. Teaching the Bible to more than 40 seminary students did much to prepare me as a minister.
Always remember that if you shun the small jobs or do them halfheartedly, you may be closing doors to future ministry opportunities.
#4 Embrace curiosity.
One of the keys to being an effective minister is being a perpetual learner. Recognize that there is much you don't yet know. Keep reading and asking questions. I often ask leaders I respect what they're reading. I keep a stack of the books they recommend on my desk, and I'm continually working through them. I never go on a trip or to an appointment without a book in hand.
As an author and public speaker, I am puzzled by how many people approach me after my presentation simply to share their own thoughts. They don't ask me any questions. They just want me to listen to them.
My advice to up-and-coming ministers is to be alert to anyone who has wisdom, knowledge, or skills you don't. Learn as much from them as you can. Most of what I do today, I learned from someone else. If you keep learning, you will keep improving.
#5 Cultivate and nurture your walk with God.
Ministry flows from your relationship with Christ. A barren spiritual life will not produce much fruit. Never underestimate the difference God's powerful presence will make in your life. You may not be the most eloquent or impressive minister in God's army, but if you are a humble, faithful servant who loves God with all your heart, you will be amazed by what God will do!
Unfortunately, too many ministers neglect their walk with God in an effort to build their social media following, grow their church, or cultivate their reputation. Your effectiveness in ministry is directly correlated with the quality and depth of your walk with God.
#6 Build a support network.
To thrive in ministry, you will need help. Lone-ranger ministers rarely last long or produce much fruit. But a network likely won't be handed to you; you will have to build it. If you are married, cultivate a relationship with your spouse that provides the support and encouragement you need. Search for like-minded ministers in your area who will meet with you regularly. When I first became a pastor, I asked other ministers if they would be interested in meeting with me for prayer. The first several pastors I approached turned me down, but I finally found a like-minded peer who became a good friend. I also developed a group of pastors in my area who met regularly to encourage one another. Ministry is too difficult to do alone.
#7 Think long-term.
There are lots of "flash-in-the-pan" ministers who cause a stir for a brief period and then fade into oblivion. Many burn out because they don't build their ministry around sustainable practices. Some fail to incorporate rhythms of rest into their schedule. Others neglect their own soul and eventually implode. Many fail to guard their hearts. Others lose their joy in serving the Lord.
There are seasons of ministry that are more demanding than others. But over the months and years, periodically ask yourself these questions: How long can I continue to serve this way? Is my method of ministry sustainable?
The time to make healthy choices is at the beginning, not while recovering from burnout. Don't neglect your family or health while building your career or growing your church. Healthy choices at the outset increase the likelihood that you will continue to be healthy throughout your ministry.
#8 Heed the Holy Spirit's guidance.
The final piece of advice I give new ministers is to heed the Holy Spirit's guidance. He knows what path you should take. He recognizes when you are in danger. He understands when you are unhealthy. If you learn how to walk in the Spirit, you will experience joy. You will serve in his power and wisdom rather than your own. And you will do things God's way rather than the world's way. Unfortunately, most seminaries train people to be religious professionals, not men and women of God. There is no better way to experience a fruitful ministry than by learning how to be Spirit-filled.
Conclusion
When God gives you an assignment, respond immediately. You don't have to know all the details or wait until you gain more skills or experience. He will equip you as you humbly and wholeheartedly follow him. Oh that many more people would respond to God's call upon their life!
 | Richard Blackaby is the president of Blackaby Ministries International and lives in Georgia. He travels internationally speaking on spiritual leadership in the home, church, and marketplace as well as on spiritual awakening, experiencing God, and the Christian life. Richard regularly ministers to Christian CEOs and business leaders. He has written or co-authored 33 books . This article was first published on RichardBlackaby.com. Used with permission from Blackaby Ministries International. Learn More » |
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