Personal growth of the pastor

I once talked with a professional person who told me he had not read a book since completing his educational requirements. I decided right then I would never use him in his field of expertise because he was no longer an expert in his chosen field. Regardless of the career you have chosen, it has likely changed a great deal over  the years, and if you have not kept up with those changes you are unable to offer value to those you serve. This is also true of pastoral ministry.

Ministry is rapidly changing, and those who have not kept up with those changes are unable to lead their churches into the future. While a person may have received an excellent seminary education, some of what you learned is now outdated. I remember a master's level class I took had a question on the final exam asking the average giving in a bus-ministry church. I wanted to respond that there had not been a bus-ministry church since gas hit $1.00 a gallon, but that was not an option on the multiple choice test. I knew the right answer, but was frustrated that I needed to because the answer was moot. Ministry has changed a lot since bus-ministry churches!

Regardless of a person's career choice, it is important that they continue to be life-long learners. This is especially true for those of us involved in ministry as we are responsible for the souls of those we serve. How do we stay current and informed as life-long learners?

For some it might done by pursuing additional degrees. I was 58 when I enrolled in a DMin program. The time working on that degree was a time of growth as I learned many new things about ministry. My doctoral project was a learning time as well.

Reading is another way to continue growing. I average reading 50 books a year. For a long time I seldom read non-fiction, but I have added those books to my reading schedule. Many of the authors of those books have been mentors to me even though I've met very few of them. John Maxwell has taught me much about leadership. Eugene Petersen and others have helped me better understand ministry. A number of authors have made me a better defender of the faith through their writings on apologetics. Lately, I have been reading more about mental health issues as that is a growing problem in our society that the church has been slow to address.

Don't limit yourself to just reading material relating to ministry or theology. It is important that the minister understands the culture in which he or she serves. That's why I've been reading books on mental health, racial issues, and other issues that impact our world. If we do not understand what is bringing pain to people's lives how can we expect to minister to them?

Attending seminars and conferences is another way to pursue personal and professional growth. I've led many of these events and have attended even more. Some were better than others, but none have been a waste of time. There is almost always a nugget of information found in all of them.

If your church does not have continuing education funds in its budget for the minister, ask them to do so. It is to their advantage that their pastor is pursuing growth, and it's an investment they should be willing to make.

The challenges and blessings of ministry

 It has been a long time since I've posted. Things have been hectic the last few months. I continue to serve as the Transitional Pastor of Westport Baptist Church, our online auction business is doing very well, and we've had some family situations that have taken much of our attention. I guess you could say it has been a normal life for a bivocational minister!

This past week was a very busy one at the church. We had a deacon meeting, a business meeting, and I was scheduled to conduct a wedding and a funeral on Saturday. What a privilege to be able to serve a congregation in this way. Yes, it was a challenge as it required a good deal of time, but it was much more of a blessing to be involved in the life of a congregation and to participate in the lives of individuals and families in such transitional times in their lives. I feel like I am the most blessed person on the face of the earth that I can minister on behalf of God to such a great church.

All ministry has its challenges. Serving in a denominational role for 14 years makes me aware that some ministries are more challenging than others. However, those challenges pale in comparison to the blessings that come with ministry. For any minister to consider that Almighty God, creator of the universe and God over all He created, called him or her to ministry should humble us. For 41 years I have served in ministry, and many times I have wondered why God would have called me to such a place. I cannot answer that, but I can affirm that I am thankful that He did. Apart from my relationship with God and my family, nothing has brought me greater joy than the ministries with which He has entrusted to me.

The working title for my first book was The Joy of Bivocational Ministry. The publisher changed the title but left that as the subtitle. A pastor friend of mine saw the title and remarked that he did not see how bivocational ministry could be considered joyful. I tried to explain to him the joys I have known in such ministry, but he never understood.

Besides the opportunity to serve wonderful churches in a pastoral role, I have had the privilege of ministering to hundreds of pastors and church leaders in various denominations through conferences, workshops and seminars. The vast majority of those speaking engagements were focused on bivocational ministry. Nearly 3,500 people have downloaded my doctoral thesis on Coaching Bivocational Ministers for Greater Ministry Effectiveness. If you want to read that without all the requirements that go into a doctoral thesis I rewrote and published it with the title The Art and Practice of Bivocational Ministry. This past week I was privileged to speak to a class at the Houston Baptist Theological Seminary and answer their questions about bivocational ministry.

Over the years I've heard many complain about the difficulties in ministry. A recent Barna survey found that 38% of pastors have considered leaving the ministry due to the difficulties they have faced. Yes, ministry can be quite challenging sometimes, but it is also the most rewarding thing anyone will ever do. 

Every Sunday as I begin the 45 minute drive to the church I'm serving I thank God for the opportunity to serve this church as their Transitional Pastor. I consider it an honor to be allowed to speak to them regarding God's Word and to be allowed to enter their lives. My prayer is that you feel the same way about the ministry God has given you.