Ministry is tough. There, I said it.
If you are about to jump into ministry, and no one has told you that…well, I’m sorry. Ministry is a tough calling, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
At this point of the year, many new pastors are getting settled into their new positions. Especially for us student pastors, the fall (typically) marks the onset of your regular programming.
As a young pastor, you will be overcome with tons of thoughts, emotions, and you may even cry out of frustration (I know I did) because you have no idea what to do other than write sermons and develop small group curriculum.
Let me start by saying this: You will get the hang of things and figure out the flow of your week. So don’t fret, things won’t always seem too hectic. Here’s the other thing: As the new guy, you’re going to run into some issues and problems as you try to develop as a pastor, leader, communicator, and employee. There will be many ups and downs – and the downs seem to pile together at times – but, if you grind it out, the other side is worthwhile.
So, what’s the goal? Don’t screw things up too badly along the way!
Here’s my advice to those of you starting fresh (or again) in a ministry role.Â
5 Tips For Those Starting (Or Re-Starting) In Ministry
1. Stay Mentally SharpÂ
If you’re fresh out of college, you probably just finished four (or more!) years of the most reading you’ve done in your life. Don’t stop now. Keep your mind fresh and sharp by reading as much as you can. Read blogs (Hey, you’re doing that now!), articles, and books – and never stop.
2. Keep Your Mouth ShutÂ
This is one piece of advice I wish I learned sooner. When you’re in meetings of all sorts, you may feel the passion within you to do more, reach more, go deeper, and so forth. However, I wish I had kept my mouth shut more when I first started in ministry (actually, still learning this trait!). Most of the conflicts I’ve been involved in were because I spoke too quickly without considering tone and context. Instead of blurting out and challenging everything being discussed, sit back and just listen. Learn who has the sway in the room, find out how people think, understand the culture of your people and church and always wait five minutes before speaking. If after five minutes you still want to say whatever you were thinking, you’ve had time to word it in an appropriate manner.
3. Get Out of DebtÂ
It’s pretty difficult to leave college without any debt. Maybe you did your homework before going off to school and made the fiscally responsible choice. Or, you may be like me and didn’t get the call to ministry until after you had started college. Regardless of your circumstances, get out of debt as soon as you can. We never want to make decisions based on monetary reasons, and being financially free is the best way to avoid that. So, make a frugal budget and stick to it until your debt is gone. Besides, you’re probably not going to be making much money anyways (you’re in ministry), so develop the habit from the get-go.
4. Stay Physically FitÂ
Ministry, especially student ministry, is full of reasons and excuses to let yourself go. I currently serve with a senior minister who is 69 years old! The dude has been in ministry almost as long as I’ve been alive. Aside from his high devotion to God’s word and incredible character, what’s enabled him to have the tenure he’s reached traces to remaining physically fit. I know this because I see him at the gym almost every day. At the age and in the profession where most people give up trying, he’s remained active, which has kept his body, mind, and soul in shape.
5. Get Organized
Student pastors are notorious for being sloppy, lazy, and unorganized. So, break the trend and stereotype! Learn to organize your workweek and your ministry. I use the BASICS Notebook (which is fully customizable) because it breaks down not just monthly and weekly, but also hourly. Further, develop and organize your ministry to run smoothly and effectively. Plan out your process of discipleship, your systems for students (check-in, joining a group, etc.), and your strategies for attaining your ministry goals.
These are just a handful of things I wish I knew sooner as I started ministry.
What do you wish someone shared with you when you started?
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