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Yesterday I turned 40 years old. This week, I’ll share 40 things I wish someone would have told me when I was 20. (They probably did, but I wasn’t paying attention.)
- Life is short. Make every day count for God’s glory.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously.
- Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Jesus cares more about the church than you do.
- You can’t please everyone…so why try?
- People will criticize you. Quit whining. Get used to it.
- Three months from now, you won’t even remember most of the things that are bothering you today.
- You can’t do it all. Stop trying.
- God called you because He is good, not because you are.
- If you blame yourself for the bad results in ministry, you’ll likely also take credit for the good results.
- Become close friends with other pastors in your town (as many as you can).
- Your kids will be grown before you know it. Don’t sacrifice them on the altar of ministry.
- Your ministry isn’t your god. God is your God.
- You know how to give and how to minister to others. If you don’t learn how to receive, you’ll burn out and/or die.
- Studying for sermons doesn’t replace your personal time with God and in His Word.
- Err on the side of generosity.
- Believe in people that others overlook.
- If you’re going to reach people that others aren’t, you’ll have to do things that others won’t.
- Your integrity matters more than you can imagine.
- Hire staff members that you like.
- When you have a tough decision to make, but you know it’s right, make it immediately. (Like pulling off a Band-Aid: do it fast, and all at once.)
- Hire slowly. Fire quickly.
- You can’t change people. Only God can.
- Don’t criticize others’ ministries. Yours isn’t nearly as perfect as you think it is.
- Take care of yourself. Eat right. Rest. Exercise. Take time off. No one else can do that for you.
- If you don’t take much time off, it’s because you’re proud, and you think you’re more necessary than you really are.
- Don’t just delegate responsibility. Delegate authority.
- Laugh frequently.
- People will leave your church. People you love and trust will leave your church. Don’t take it personally.
- When you suffer and hurt because of ministry, worship Jesus all the more.
- Talk about Jesus every time you preach.
- Be careful what you say. You’re being watched (and recorded).
- Don’t return emails when you’re angry.
- Check to make sure your microphone is turned off before you use the bathroom. Double-check.
- Check to make sure your zipper is zipped every time before you preach. Double-check.
- Love your wife more than you love the church. The church is Jesus’ bride, not yours.
- Always be caught speaking well of others.
- Compliment, encourage, and build up your staff and volunteers.
- Hand write thank you notes.
- Smile and look people in the eyes when you talk to them.
