#10 Longevity is Valuable!
Well… we made it. Today is the final installment of a TEN PART Monday morning series. These thoughts came from my experiences and my failures early on in my Ministry to Kids and their families. I suspect that some of these have “rung the bell” for you and if given the opportunity you’d say A-MEN. I really do hope that they’ve been encouraging and helpful (and maybe even affirming).
As I finish up I want to share #10: Longevity Makes a Difference.
Too many Kids Ministers are looking for what’s next and not focusing on what’s NOW. I watch ministers move every couple years to what they think is “a greener pasture.” It takes time to water, weed, and grow a green pasture. You may inherit someone else’s good work but you also might be inheriting someone else’s issues. It’s been said that if the grass is greener on the other side it might mean there’s a septic tank over there (just sayin’). I’m convinced that it takes 2-3 years to get in your groove with a new work. It takes at least that long to build a good team and grow trust and confidence. Could it be that too many of us are leaving before we ever really make a difference?
May I encourage you to plan to stay? Go into each new ministry with the plan to retire right there! It might not be your reality, but I think it’s a good attitude. If God leads you away then by all means go… but don’t go with the idea that you’ll soon leave. That really doesn’t help anyone.
Longevity:
- Develops your routine which allows you to take care of yourself.
- Allows your philosophy to grow and be known by those you serve.
- Gives time for relationships to be built.
- Develops your organization.
- Grows your Leadership.
- Allows you to establish and understand you role and value.
- Allows hills/mountains to be crossed.
- Gives you time to make good, strong, effective change.
- Establishes loyalty among the leadership and the membership.
Don’t be a church hopper. Seek God’s will and allow Him to use you where you’re sent.
