Twelve lessons I've learned in ministry from good examples who are traveling ahead of me.
1. "Stay close and clean." ~Pastor Johnny Hunt
“We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.” 2 Corinthians 6:3
2. "Swallow the big frog first." ~Dr. Jay Strack
This principle says that as you get the biggest, most difficult thing in your life accomplished (swallowed); the rest of your day, week, etc. will go down a lot easier. Remembering this principle helps you plan what is important, not just what is pressing. This principle helps you accomplish what matters most not that which is making the most noise.
3. "You'll never miss anything you give away." ~John Garner
“So let each one of us give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
4. "The devil doesn't mind waiting a few more years on you." ~Evangelist Junior Hill
"Be sober be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
This passage teaches that our enemy is constantly on the prowl, looking to destroy our testimony and our lives. This principle teaches that our enemy doesn’t mind letting our notoriety get bigger, so that when we fall, he can do more damage to God’s kingdom.
5. “I’ve been around the block a few times and I’m convinced that our two greatest needs are: to be real and anointed.” ~Dr. Adrian Rogers
Be real. You can't live like the devil all week, and then think you can come to church on Sunday and everything is OK. Are you the same in public as you are in private?
Be anointed. We need simply to be filled and anointed with the Holy Spirit and quit operating our lives on our own power.
6. “An unguarded strength is a double weakness.” ~Oswald Chambers
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
There is no coasting in the Christian life. We must always be on guard. Our attitude must be one that says, “It can happen to me.”
7. “It takes six years to become the pastor."~ Homer Lindsay
“So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.” Psalm 78:72
This principle teaches that you must earn trust, and it takes a while to do that. It also reminds me that ministry is a marathon.
8. “If you read 15 minutes a day, at the end of the year, you will have read 20 books.” ~ Dr. Jay Strack
9. "Leadership is Integrity.” ~ Dr. Johnny Hunt
“The righteous man walks in his integrity, His children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7
This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. It reminds me that God must do something in me before He can use me to influence others. It also teaches me that how I live my life will affect my family. My heart’s desire is to be a good leader; to lead my wife, my children, and lead others to God
10. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” ~ Mark Meadows
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.” 1 Peter 5:2
11. “Make sure Jesus is on the road before you go down it.” – Ron Dunn
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. and whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus; giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:15-17.
12. “In the Christian life, it is not how you start that matters, it is how you finish.” ~Steve Farrar
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
This principle encourages me because it offers hope. Some of us have had a slow start, some have had a rocky start, but everyone can have a strong finish. When our life is over, people will remember more of how we finished life than how we started it.
Finish strong friends.
