Have you ever looked back and wished you had done some things differently? In ministry we all go through a learning curve. We learn what we need to DO, and we learn what we need to NOT DO.
Unfortunately, sometimes the NOT DO is harder than the DO part of the learning curve.
Here are a few things I’ve learned that I better NOT DO if I want to be successful in pursuing my God-given mission:
- DON’T be the Lone Ranger. He had a script to follow and, besides…he had Tonto. And if you think about it, trying to do everything yourself is prideful, foolish & hurtful to you, your family, your team and your ministry.
- DON’T say you don’t have time to develop leaders. In reality, you don’t have time NOT to develop leaders. In fact, your job description is to do just that!
Your ministry will only rise to the level that you and your leadership team have the ability to take it.
- Don’t expect to fill all your volunteer spots via bulletin ads & pulpit pleas. Not going to happen. The personal, face to face “ask” leading with vision over need is the absolute best way to build your team.
- Don’t believe a lack of resources results in limited ministry. It may take longer. You may need to be more creative, bold or tenacious. However, in the end, lack of vision is the only thing that really limits your ministry.
- Don’t think that lack of support from (or disagreement, or lack of attention, or…or…or…) from your Senior/Executive Pastor gives you permission to undermine them in any way. If you serve at a church, it’s your responsibility to support your leadership, build to their defined vision and always encourage your team to do the same. If you can’t, you need to have a heart to heart with them, or leave.
- Don’t take criticism personally. Ministry is hard and my heart breaks when I hear how some of you are treated. Take criticism for what it is – an opportunity to evaluate and learn – and then leave it behind. You’ve got better things to do with your time and emotion.
- Don’t sacrifice your family for the sake of your ministry. God has not given you a greater calling for your ministry than for your family. Don’t give them the leftovers of your time, energy, emotion, attention or ministry investment.
