7. Faithfulness is worth the harshest of criticisms.
Throughout the last 10 years, there have been hard decisions made.
Members were disciplined out of the church for the first time. Men who just completed seminary were counseled not to pursue ministry. Some attenders were not allowed to become members. Other members were removed out of neglect.
Unpopular decisions to defend the gospel in the community were mocked. People left the church over a greater desire to continue tradition instead of doing what God’s Word says.
I have endured many harsh words because of decisions made seeking to obey Scripture. There was a year my name was so slandered that people knew me only through those painful words spoken when I would walk into a store or coffee shop.
The harshest words are worth enduring with the hope that, when I stand before Christ, He will count me faithful.
8. Training men for ministry is an unspeakable joy.
Other than seeing conversions to Christ, one of the greatest joys of these last 10 years was training men for ministry, sending them out, then watching them flourish in that new ministry. Although it is hard and painful to send some of your best, most gifted, from you, it is worth it and a great personal joy.
9. The burden to care for souls is too great for one man.
I came to a church that had a single pastor model, and the task to care for souls was overwhelming doing it alone. This is why the New Testament clearly teaches that the care of souls in the local church comes not through one man, but a plurality of pastors/elders to share that load together.
Maybe the most significant decision made in the last 10 years was when we moved to a plurality of pastors.
10. Pastors will give an account for all souls under our care.
Pastors often forget we will give an account to the Lord Christ for not just the souls of those who love and support us, but those who do not.
When I struggled to love certain difficult people (which was often), it was the piercing words that I will “give an account for every soul” (Heb. 13:17) to Jesus that kept me from dismissing my responsibly before the Chief Shepherd.
There they are. I promise you, I failed miserably in many different ways that led to these lessons learned. Be encouraged, dear brothers and fellow pastors.
The Lord often teaches us lessons through our sins, failings, disappointments and weaknesses. By the Lord’s grace, He allowed me to learn them as He continued to allow me to serve Him. May you learn your lessons, yet keep serving in the same way.
