As a minister, when you answer the call to serve, you must be prepared to step into a journey that can be filled with joy, heartache, breakthroughs, and sometimes, endless challenges. One thing you should know is ministry is not for the faint of heart, and after serving for 40 years, I've gathered a wealth of knowledge, some of which was learned in moments of victory, others in seasons of difficulty. This book is the result of those years of learning, growing, and sometimes, failing forward.
One of the misconceptions about ministry is that a lot of people think ministry is all about preaching, teaching, and leading. But the truth is, it’s so much more than that. The real lessons in ministry aren’t just about knowing the right scriptures or delivering a powerful sermon. They are about what happens in the moments of silence, the moments when no one is watching, when there are no applauds of men, when you’re wrestling with your doubts, or when you're faced with difficult decisions that require more than just a sermon. Ministry is a journey. A journey of transformation and growth. And as you navigate the highs and lows of your calling, the growth happens within you.
In my 40 years of active ministry, I’ve discovered that the most valuable lessons are often the ones that challenge us to dig deeper. These lessons have nothing to do with achievements, accolades, titles, or public recognition. Instead, these lessons are about remaining faithful during seasons of difficulty, serving with a pure heart, and staying humble in success. It’s easy to get carried away with the activities of ministry, constantly doing things for God. But I’ve also learned that it’s just as important, if not more so, to focus on who you are becoming in Him, because in the seasons of ups and downs of ministry, your character and your relationship with God are what truly sustain you through it all.
As I look back, I realize that ministry isn’t about building a big platform or a gigantic building; it’s about investing in people, leading them by example, teaching, guiding, and coaching the people God has sent your way. It’s about the quiet victories, like helping someone find their faith or encouraging someone to keep going when they are on the verge of giving up. It’s about showing up when people need you, even when it's uncomfortable, and being honest, even when it means being misunderstood. That’s where the true fruit of ministry lies, not in the crowds, but in the lives you impact along the way.
As you read through the pages of this book, I hope you find the encouragement in knowing that the struggles you are facing are not unique. We all go through seasons of difficulty, but through those seasons, God shapes us into stronger and more compassionate leaders. So, as you turn the pages, know that this book is more than just a collection of lessons. It’s a resource, a guide to help you stay true to your calling, and a reminder that God is with you every step of the way. Don’t rush through this book, take your time, reflect on each chapter, and let the wisdom of these lessons sink deep into your heart. And as you do, remember: ministry is not only about what you do, it’s also about who you become. Keep going, and let these lessons be a part of your own story. The best is yet to come.
Let's Begin!