If I knew then...

This year I celebrate 30 years of ministry. As I look back, it is hard to believe 30 years have past by so quickly. I have served churches in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Over the course of time I have learned some valuable lessons regarding ministering in the local church. While I am not an expert, I do believe my experiences have given me a unique perspective of ministry. Unfortunately I have learned these lessons over the course of 30 years, how I wish I would have known these lessons  when I first started out. Maybe some young man can benefit from my lessons in ministry in the local church...

My lessons; AKA If I knew then what I know now.

1. John Maxwell is right everything rises and falls on Leadership. Good Biblical leadership is essential for a successful ministry. Notice I did not say "Good Leadership" is essential. I fear we have succumb to the world's idea of leadership, which turns out CEO's and Managers, but not biblical leaders. On the other hand the leadership secrets of Jesus as well as the examples of men and women in scripture will give any minister a foundation to lead a local church. I have had the privilege of serving with many godly leaders who understand Biblical leadership and the churches they have led have been healthy. I have also witnessed poor leadership or worldly leadership and the result has been disastrous. Biblical leadership is critical for a healthy ministry.     
2. Play to your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Ministers are not supermen, we cannot do it all! Too often we buy into the myth of believing we must do it all and if we cannot we have a sense of inadequacy. Each one of us have a  set of unique gifts that help us to lead the church, however none of us can do everything well, we must drop our guard and allow other people to come along side of us to help us succeed. When others partner with us they can help compensate for our weaknesses and the ministry becomes stronger. I am so thankful for men and women who came beside me and helped me in areas where I was not gifted, I wish I would have learned this lesson earlier in my ministry career, I believe my own insecurity hampered rather than extend my ministry in the early years.    

We will look at a few more lessons in the coming days...