[updated 1-21-2012]

There are a few key lessons that I have learned in over 20 years of ministry that I believe will help anyone who is dealing with a call to ministry. I also believe they are great lessons for anyone who is presently serving in ministry in a leadership capacity.

1. Develop your relationship with God daily.
This is an imperative. Everything about ministry flows out of this relationship. No relationship, no effective ministry. Notice you can continue to function in ministry, but you will be frustrated and so will the people who you are trying to minister to in the church. I recommend you start your day with the Lord, so you can get His direction for your life that day. He will give you focus, encouragement, direction, and will help you order your day.

2. Develop your relationship with your spouse daily.
I believe that your spouse must be called to ministry just as you are called. That does not mean they have to be called to the same type of ministry, but that they have a heart and love for the church and see themselves in a supporting role. You as the fulltime called person may be leading in a ministry role, but their supporting role is equally important. Because without their support and help there will be a massive strain in your marriage and in your home. Everyday you need to be growing in your relationship with your spouse in areas of communication, trust, conflict resolution, your visions for your family and many other areas.

3. Develop as a leader daily.
Developing as a leader is vitally important. You have been called to lead people. It doesn’t matter what the specific expression of ministry is, (youth, administration, sr. adults, ect.) ministry is about people. Read books, talk to people you view as good leaders, listen to CDs about leadership, and whatever else it takes to develop. Ask people to honestly evaluate your leadership and then be prepared to work on the areas they view as being deficient. Leaders are learners. We must always seek to learn and grow in the area of leadership. In my opinion, the church needs more effective leaders today than ever before.

These lessons are not revolutionary ideas. They are just what I view as some of the top lessons I have learned over the years of ministry.