Just the beginning

I ran across two interesting stats a few weeks ago regarding serving in ministry.

1. The median number of years pastors have served in their present assignment is four.
2. A pastor's maximum effectiveness does not occur until around the seventh year.

The point is clear: most pastors leave a church before they achieve their maximum impact in the ministry. This week I have been reflecting on the past five years of ministry at PBCC. I would be lying to say I have never thought about checking out other church opportunities, but the truth is I would simply be trading one set of problems for another. Pastoral ministry is not for cowards. It takes fortitude, determination, and nerves of steel. Ease and comfort are not the companions of the shepherd of the flock of God. Anonymous letters (and posts) and misunderstood intentions will be encountered along the path of ministry. How a minister fares during these times will set the parameters for pastoral tenure. One of the most healthy things a minister can do for the congregation he serves is stay long enough to have an impact on his flock. The past 5 years have been great at PBCC; yes there have been some setbacks, but overall we are moving in the right direction. I feel like I am just now learning the culture of PBCC and now I am beginning to see what we need to do in order to be the church God has planned for us. As I reflect on the last 5 years and consider the next five, I began to think about the benefits of a long term ministry...

1. Long Term Ministry Allows One to Establish Long Term Goals. I have been around long enough to know that 6 months in a life of a church is a very short period of time. If you want to make significant changes in ministry it will happen by establishing a long term plan and then working the plan. Changing a culture or expectations does not happen overnight, it takes time and in a long term pastorate time is a great benefit. I have a vision for PBCC, but it will not be accomplished overnight, it will take a few more years. However it will not happen if I am not committed to staying for the long haul.
2. Long Term Ministry Allows One to Develop a Strong Pulpit. When we move every 4 years or less, it is very easy for us to get lazy in the pulpit. We can simply rework our "Greatest Hits" over and over again. The danger is we do not grow as a preacher, nor do we allow the church to hear the full counsel of God. When we stay in one church for an extended period we are forced to provide "fresh bread' each week, this is healthy for both you and the congregation. I plan my preaching 6-9 months in advance, this keeps me focused on the goal and vision I have for the church, my preaching is tied very closely to the vision I have for PBCC.
3. Long Term Ministry Allows One to Develop Deep Friendships. No one understands the ministry like another minister, however it is not healthy to have just other ministers as friends. A long term ministry allows us to examine people closely and see who is available as a confident, accountability partner and friend. To find this type of friend one must invest time and effort, this only happens when we choose to stay for a long time.
4. Long Term Ministry Helps Us Develop out Dependence on God. When one is committed to a short term ministry, it is very easy to bail at the first sight of trouble. A long term ministry will face set backs, but that is not a time to send out resumes, that is the time to turn to God. When I am focused on the long haul I find myself focusing on God's plan and not my own agenda.
5. Long Term Ministry Gives One A Proper Perspective on Problems. When ever we run into a problem we must ask ourself is it a cold or is it a cancer. Colds last for a relatively short time and can usually be handled with some TLC. Cancer is different, cancer requires intense treatment and at times surgery. Long Term Ministry gives one the perspective to know the difference. It has been my experience that most problems in the church are colds and if treated properly they can be handled with ease. However if you face a cancer, long term ministry gives you the stamina to handle the problem.

These are just a few benefits of a long term ministry do you have any to add?