Why I do What I do

Yesterday's post regarding longevity got me thinking about longevity in ministry. I stated yesterday, the average NFL career is 3 1/2 years. That is not very long when you consider all the time that is spent to get one to the NFL. I was thrilled to discover recently ministers are sticking with their calling longer than the average NFL player. Currently the average stay of minister in one church is 7.7 years. This is good news, when I started in ministry 29 years ago the average stay was 4.5 years. Ministers are staying in their churches longer and that is a good thing for both the minister and the congregations they serve.

Why has the length of ministry increased over the past few years? I can think of several reasons.

1. Ministers are better equipped for the changes of ministry, education and resources are readily available for ministers to continue refining their skills in ministry. The allure of "greener pastures" is not nearly a draw as we continue to grow in our present ministry.
2. Longevity increases the minister's ministry to the local church. Research tells us the longer a minister stays with a local the church the more healthy the church becomes. Church leaders and ministers understand it is not enough for the church to simply grow numerically, the church needs to be healthy as well; one of the best ways to secure congregational health is through a long term ministry.
3. Attitudes have changed regarding ministry friendships in the local congregation. When I began ministry 29 years ago, there was an unwritten rule not to have close friends with members of the congregation. I am glad to say that attitude has changed. Some of my best friends are members of my congregation, my small group is essential for my spiritual as well as emotional health. We are a relational people, we need people in ministry. I cannot imagine a ministry without good friends.

I am closing in on 5 years of ministry at PBCC and I can honestly say, I think my best years are a head of me. I serve a great church, yeah we have our ups and downs, but I cannot think of a better place to serve. PBCC has given me opportunities to grow continually by sending me to conferences and purchasing resources, we are constantly looking at our systems with a goal of become a more healthy church and I have many good friends in the congregation. PBCC is a place where I can grow in my ministry and I look forward to continuing my ministry for a long time.