Celebrating 30 years of ministry and pressing on.

It is hard to believe, but tomorrow marks 30 years since I was ordained into the ministry. Certainly not where I expected to be when I was a teenager looking out at the world seeking to find my place. God had other plans for me when he snatched me from the depths of darkness at age 18. Together Phyllis and I have been on an adventure with God, not always following Him perfectly, but our hearts have been to serve His purposes with our lives. In the course of these 30 years we have experienced an abundance of the grace of God working in us and through us. By that grace we have grown and are excited about the impact we can make in this next season of ministry.

Some reflections on 30 years of ministry –

*  I’m thankful for the churches I served the first 10 years of my ministry. They endured my lack of experience mixed with a ton of zeal and greatly encouraged me.

*  God does far more than I ever asked or imagined.

*  Teamwork brings greater impact than a person’s ministry by itself.

*  The most important aspect of ministry is just showing up…faithfulness.

*  Ministry is truly a calling. It’s not a profession or a job. As someone recently said, “There are better paying ways to be make a living and be unappreciated.” Pastors are not in it for the money or fame or to be liked.

*  Family comes first and deserves the best of my life, not leftovers. I did not always live this way and at times it hurt my wife    and kids. Thankfully they are forgiving and we’ve been able to move past those hurts.

*  It’s all about people. Ministry is about helping and coaching people to know God and grow relationally.

*  People changed by God’s grace are beautiful to behold.

*  Serving in a church that appreciates you is a gift from God. I feel that here at Grace Church and have for these 22 years. I hea plenty of horror stories of pastors and their wives who are dying from a lack of encouragement and lack of appreciation. We’re blessed!

* The greatest thing a church can do for its pastors is follow their leadership. When people resist God given changes the burden on pastors is greatly increased. Again, we are blessed at Grace Church for the way people love leaders who lead.

* The best is yet to come! I’m excited for the next season of my life and ministry. I believe God has more to do in us and through us to advance his mission on the earth. I am so glad to be serving a church that stands ready to move forward in all Gods has for us.