If I knew then... Part 2

Continuing my thought regarding lessons I have learned in 30 years of ministry...

1. Continual learning is a must! I remember Ray "Cotton" Jones telling us in a class once, you can tell when a preacher's mind died by the books in his study. How true that is, if we are not constantly learning you are in trouble. I have been extremely fortunate that the churches I have served have valued this idea. In my 30 years of ministry I was able to attend some type of conference every year for the purpose of of sharpening my skills in ministry. Because of their generosity, both in time off as well as resources I was able to experience new trends and methods in ministry. Not only was I able to attend conferences that helped me grow, three churches went the extra mile in helping me be a life long learner. The New Hope Christian Church in Anderson IN, allowed me the time to work on a masters degree, which I earned in 1988. Two other churches, First Christian Church, Orlando FL and Damascus Road Christian Church Louisville KY allowed me time off to teach in Christian Colleges in Kissimmee Fl and Louisville KY.  Our culture is ever changing and it is a wise leadership who realizes the value of education and continued improvement for their minister. Not only was my leadership supportive of attending conferences and continuing my education, but the senior ministers I served also saw the value and they were my chief cheerleader in making sure I continued sharpening my skills. Now that I am employed at a Christian College, I want to make sure the students i come in contact with treasure education for it is the key to long term success in ministry.
2. Treasure friendships in ministry. There is a blessing that comes from the friendships that I have developed over the years in ministry. People like Gary, Guthrie, Adam, Dave, Bill, Steve, Dick (of as his wife calls him, Richard), Another Bill, Mike, Dale, Joe, Wayne, Bob, Larry, and Jim just to name a few have been a great encouragement and a source of strength. It is true no one knows what it is like to be a minister but another minister. I am glad for the friendships I have learned from these men, I have laughed with them and cried with some of them. This week I will be at the North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati and once again I will rekindle some of these friendships and though it has been a year since I have seen some of them, I can assure you we will pick up our conversation just like we had talked yesterday. Solomon was right there is something about friendships that truly strengthen us and make us better. Be sure to treasure your friendships.

More lessons to come later...