Family & Ministry, Pt.7

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:

7. TAKE BREATHS IN MINISTRY

We all need to create times of refreshment in order to replenish the creative juices. Notice that I say, “create times”. This doesn’t just happen by accident. In fact, nothing for God happens by accident, only on purpose – even REST & REFRESHMENT. I know, it sounds crazy, but we have to work at creating opportunities for rest and refreshment. Even though it may take a little work and discipline to make rest and refreshment a part of your regular routine it will pay off in the long run an dyour creative types will love you all the more for it:)

• You can do this by getting around some other church leaders who are passionate and effective with the gospel mission – but just sit and listen (be a student – you will find this to be so refreshing). This summer I have really been trying to do this more.
• As my friend Josh Gagnon (www.joshuagagnon.com) from Next Level Church (www.nlc.tv) in Southern NH recently said to me, “Summers are the best time for growth”. He was referring to how we must work on building our foundations during the summer, which is what will ultimately allow for unlimited, exponential growth during the Fall and Spring seasons.
• I am constantly trying to surround myself with leaders and mentors who are much further along in leadership, vision, and ministry than I am. Anthony Milas (www.anthonymilas.net) from Granite United (www.graniteunited.com) in Southern NH is someone that always pumps me up for BIGGER THINGS. Recently, I toured their new 1250 seat auditorium – can’t wait to see what Jesus does this FALL at GraniteUnited.com.
• Seriously, we should be celebrating the amazing works of God all around us (or something is wrong in our own hearts, and consequently Jesus won’t be able to bless our works). It is time for churches to stop competing with one another and start completing one another.
• In August I will be visiting Buddy Cremeans (www.buddycremeans.com) from Northway Church (www.northwaychurch.tv) in Clifton Parks, NY; can’t wait to learn more about what Jesus is doing in that community through these Northeastern Revolutionists!
• Go watch a movie with people who won’t talk about ministry for an hour or two.
• Read a book or magazine (or blog) that has nothing to do with the business of the church (just let your mind escape for a bit).
• Hit the gym or go for a walk, exercise is a great way to free your mind and body from stress.
• Honestly, most people don’t give enough to ministry, and they feel overwhelmed by the busyness in their life, but it typically comes from selfish misguided priorities, not ministry imperatives.
• Also, don’t just bail on your ministry responsibilities, reproduce yourself and replace yourself during these times of refreshment and “breathing”.
• Remember, you need to “breathe” in ministry; but you still need to replicate yourself and then you will actually multiply your ministry efforts in the long run (as well as create a sustainable and refreshable ministry process).
• If you are a lead pastor or the primary communicator and you are afraid of “abandoning the pulpit” during these times of refreshment, here are a few thoughts:
  • You are replaceable. I know that God has called you to a very unique vision in your local setting, but we are all still replaceable. Nobody is irreplaceable.
  • The truest test of leadership is how your team and organization runs when you are not around. So, if you really want to test your leadership or simply tout your own “leadership horn” then take a trip over the weekend and visit another church that is totally tearing it up for Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.
  • Entrust the speaking and teaching to another qualified staff member (they may be a little green, but everybody starts somewhere; even you started somewhere). And thank God somebody gave you a chance. If you don’t have a staff, then call another local church that you dig and ask them to send someone over who can teach for you while you are investigating and growing under the leadership of another kingdom builder!