Family & Ministry, Pt.1

I have been in full time ministry for over 11 years now. I have been an Executive Pastor for 9 years at www.graniteunited.com and now a lead pastor for a little over 2 years at www.thedialoguechurch.com. I LOVE THE MINISTRY OF JESUS! There is nothing like it. In fact, there is nothing like working in the local church, when the local church is working right!

Being in ministry for over a decade now has taught me a few things:

Number one: It is stinkin’ HARD WORK.

Number two: Time is played out on a competitive court. It seems like the more ministry responsibility I am given, the more “other things” will compete for my time. One question I get a lot in ministry is, HOW DO I BALANCE FAMILY AND MINISTRY TIME? Let me first say this, I am not an expert in this area (not sure who he is, but I have read a few posts from www.perrynoble.com who has nailed some great principles to live by in this area, I also know that my mentor www.anthonymilas.net models an amazing “family in ministry” lifestyle that I desire to have).

So, allow me to share some insights that Jesus has taught me through some amazing mentors over the past decade.

1. PUT TIME WITH JESUS FIRST
(start doing that and most of your struggles will work themselves out; because most of the time we are just frustrated because we aren’t spending time with Jesus). Schedule your time alone with God – if you don’t it won’t happen. If you don’t schedule your time someone else will. LISTEN TO JESUS AND DO EXACTLY WHAT HE SAYS (that is the key to everything in this life). I struggle with this, but I am striving towards it everyday:)

Ministry is hard, but Jesus is so worth it – ministry is never convenient, so don’t wait for “more convenience” before you give it all you can. As a pastor, I am going to always be here to encourage people to give all they have and be all they can FOR JESUS! His mission depends upon it.

Stay tuned for 7 ways to BALANCE FAMILY AND MINISTRY and leverage both for the cause of Christ and the glory of God! Seriously, who doesn’t want a satisfying marriage/family life, and a successful ministry (I know I do)?