30 Off the Cuff Lessons I Learned through 40 years of Pastoring

These are some things I have learned through the years…

1. Pleasing people is not the goal of ministry. Growing people is the goal.
2. People will come and go from your church. Including those who say they won’t. 
3. Make sure you have a hand in selecting your leadership. You need ministry extensions not devil’s advocates.
4. Choose your battles. Not every hill is one to die on.
5. Read. A pastor is a forever learner.
6. I should always be growing as a preacher and a pastor. There is always room for improvement.
7. I am replaceable even when I think I’m not.
8. Pastoring is way harder than I ever thought.
9. You always lose in the comparison game.
10. Every mentor I’ve ever had in my life, I had to pursue myself.
11. You will have to fight pessimism, bitterness, and even depression.
12. If your ministry grows, people will praise you. If it shrinks, they will blame you. Like it or not, that’s how people think.
13. Some families grow closer to the Lord together in ministry; others grow further apart. Ministry will either make your family better or bitter.
14. Most pastors are not compensated nearly enough. 
15. You will be discouraged at times. Most pastors call this Monday.
16. People do not like to follow; you will have to show them why doing so is a biblical idea.
17. Some people sitting in the congregation will be angry at God, angry at the church, angry at the former pastor, or angry at themselves.  So, try not to take everything personally.
18. If you don’t plan your schedule, others will plan it for you.
19. Somebody will always be upset with you.
20. Do not sacrifice your family on the altar of success. It’s not worth it.
21. It’s going to take a lot more prayer than you think.
22. Your wife is a gift from God. She’s your greatest ministry partner and biggest supporter. Honor, love, and cherish her.
23. People will disappoint you. God never will.
24. Prioritize regularly gathering with pastors in your area. They need it, and so do you.
25. Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.
26. Sin is as destructive as it is deceptive. Beware.
27. Don’t underestimate the wisdom of experienced ministers. They can save you from committing mistakes or making wrong decisions.
28. “Never judge a book by its cover” isn’t Scripture but it’s true. Never presume anything with people by initial interaction.
29. There will be favorable seasons. Enjoy them to the fullest as long as they last.
30. Every minute has been worth it.