I will celebrate my 61st birthday soon. I have been a senior pastor for 37 years. That is right. I planted Northwest Valley Baptist Church when I was 24 years old. I wish I knew the things then that I know now. I would dearly love to start ministry all over again with my present understanding and knowledge.
In many ways, it is more difficult to pastor at this age than earlier. Earlier there was an entire life ahead to build and grow and let God do something. That era of life came very naturally to me. I am forward-thinking, I am an idea guy. I like to think outside of the box and do new things (even though many see me as a traditionalist). But now it would be easy to consider the future with less optimism. The fears and concerns are even more difficult now than early in ministry. At this season, I can start to think “Am I a help in this ministry or am I in the way?” “How do I financially transition without becoming a burden on my ministry or children?”
I don’t want to think that way. It is not my nature. I feel good physically. I feel I could go at full speed for another 20 years. But is that what God wants? It is as essential for me to be seeking God’s will for my life direction now as it was when I was in my early 20s. Ministry is about passing on the faith to the coming generations. It is at the heart of the 2 Timothy 2:2 command. I don’t plan on ever quitting the ministry. It is not only my calling, God has given me a deep love for it. I love preaching, studying, strategizing, and most of all leading. But is also a time for some soul-searching. I invite you to think it through with me. This transparency is a bit uncomfortable for me but I think it is important.
There are some very important attitudes to shun. …
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