This month marks 13 years in pastoral ministry for me. What a joy and challenge it’s been to shepherd Christ’s flock.
Here are 13 lessons God has taught me during these years (in no particular order of importance):
1. The church doesn’t belong to me, but to Jesus. He died for it, is building it and will not let the gates of hell prevail against it. The Head of the church doesn’t need me, but chooses to include me in shepherding His church. There’s hardly a more mind-blowing reality.
2. God’s Word does the work. As it is faithfully taught and preached, the Spirit of God saves sinners, sanctifies the saints and sends us into the world to live on mission for Him. It’s remarkable to see this week after week. I would never stand behind a pulpit if I weren’t utterly convinced of this truth.
3. No one is more important to me in my church than my wife and children. Church members come and go. But family is for life. Prioritize accordingly.
4. The years I spent studying Greek and Hebrew in college and seminary have proven utterly invaluable. Knowing Greek and Hebrew won’t unlock everything in the Bible, but it’ll unlock a lot. Aspiring pastor, if at all possible, study the biblical languages now before entering pastoral ministry.
5. Having seasoned mentors to walk you through challenging seasons is crucial.
6. Pastors shouldn’t pretend to be super-humans. Because we’re not. Before we’re shepherds, we’re sheep in Christ’s flock. Just like everyone else, left to ourselves we’re helpless and hopeless. We’re saved by the same grace and need the mercy of Jesus just like everyone else. Don’t be afraid to display this in your life and ministry.
7. It is vital for the pastor to surround himself not with yes-men, but men who will lovingly challenge him in his walk with Christ.
8. Pastoring is never less than preaching and teaching the Word. But it’s always more than this. Shepherding entails deep relationships of love and trust. If you’re not cultivating these relationships, you’re not really pastoring.
9. Pastors must be the lead disciple-makers in the church.
10. Developing leaders is one of the most important responsibilities God has given pastors.
11. In leadership, you must not measure growth in weeks and months, but years and decades.
12. Healthy rhythms of work and rest are a powerful way to ensure pastoral longevity.
13. The approval that matters most is God’s.
(EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was adapted from a Facebook post from Jordon Willard, who serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Weddington, N.C. Content used with permission.)
