40 Things I’ve Learned in 40 Years of Ministry

By Tom S. Renner

Founder and CEO

It was forty years in the past that I started serving in a small rural church in southern Indiana. I used to be extremely inexperienced then; I am glad I did not all the time perceive it. I cherished these individuals in that church, and for some cause, they cherished me too. I needed to be some of the incompetent pastors in historical past, however they simply stored displaying me mercy and loving me extra.

Now, 4 many years later, I mirror on what I discovered in ministry. Some classes got here moderately naturally; Others have been very painful.

1. 1. God is all the time devoted. all the time all the time all the time
   2. My household is my best present past my salvation. I all the time need to notice it.
   3. I spent a number of time worrying about issues that I nonetheless cannot bear in mind.
   4. I’ve taken a number of criticism personally. Most critics weren’t mad at me.
   5. I’m all the time strengthened once I spend time within the Phrase and in prayer.
   6. My spouse endured lots in our ministry. I want extra care of her.
   7. Once I can chortle at myself, I’m more practical in ministry.
   8. I discovered to be extra empathetic by means of the deaths of my dad and mom and grandson. I now perceive the ache of many experiences.
   9. I all the time get harm once I maintain grudges.
   10. I have to apologize sooner.
   11. I want pals to share each the fun and challenges of ministry.
   12. I want my sons did not see my frustration once I was a pastor or father or husband.
   13. life is brief Stay each second absolutely for Him.
   14. I ought to arise for injustice.
   15. A few of my saddest days got here once I grew to become jealous of others in ministry.
   16. Some extra unhappy days got here once I lived to please individuals as an alternative of God.
   17. Once I do not maintain myself bodily, caregiving feels extra like a burden than a pleasure.
   18. Youngsters are small however for one season. A few of my best joys have been with my three sons.
   19. Considered one of life’s best blessings are grown kids who’re my finest pals.
   20. I am not practically as good as I typically suppose.
   21. I’ve by no means seen an argument win on social media.
   22. The native church is the most effective imperfect place on earth.
   23. I’m all the time wiser once I take heed to the knowledge of others.
   24. Typically, I record my issues as an alternative of counting my blessings.
   25. Devil is all the time searching for methods to entice me (1 Timothy 3:7).
   26. The web by no means forgives or forgets.
   27. My success will not be measured by the scale of my church or the status of my group.
   28. I’ve had a lot grace proven to me. I have to go that present on.
   29. Many who disagree with me have been confirmed proper.
   30. I’m ashamed of what number of instances I’ve not shared the gospel.
   31. The older I get, the extra excited I look ahead to heaven. I want I all the time had that perspective.
   32. I want to point out kindness extra deliberately and extra usually.
   33. Each church has some actually dangerous individuals. God has additionally referred to as me to like and serve them.
   34. I wrestle with pleasure extra usually than I might prefer to admit.
   35. I had some dangerous moments in ministry once I misplaced my mood.
   36. I discovered who my true pals are when I’ve nothing to supply them.
   37. I have to observe the self-discipline of repentance extra usually.
   38. Encouragement works higher than harsh phrases.
   39. I’ll learn extra.
   40. My grandchildren are nearly good.

What have you ever discovered in life and ministry? What are you able to add to this record?

Posted on January 6, 2025

With practically 40 years of ministry expertise, Thom Renner has spent a lifetime dedicated to the expansion and well being of native church buildings throughout North America.
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