On preaching and ministry, volume 1, number 3 - Long-Term Ministry: Why It's Worth It

On Preaching and Ministry presented by The Jenkins Institute

Thank you for the many of you who are commenting on, enjoying and especially sharing “On.” While we are delighted with the network we get to be a part of - it is only as good as you help make it. I know it may be asking a lot but as you have contacts we do not please send us minister’s email addresses and we’ll see that they are included.

This month we are adding a new feature that will spotlight a specific thing with each edition.

The awful commercial for Quality Inns rings “should I stay or should I go?” While it makes your ears bleed it is nonetheless the question that most of us in ministry struggle with over and over again.

Several years ago, a study of churches in the U.S. found a startling relationship between the length of time a preacher stays, and the growth or decline of those churches.

The finding were not shocking. Approximately three-fourths of growing churches had preachers who had been in that pulpit more than four years, while two-thirds of their declining churches had preachers who had been there less than four years. Let’s be clear long-term preacher tenures do not guarantee that a church will grow. But short-term ones practically guarantee that a church will not grow. So to that end we offer this month’s ON - on the staying side of it all.

We hope to hear much from you on potential themes and topics, as well as suggestions and ideas for improving this publication. We encourage you to use these freely - to print them off and share them with others. We do ask that you at least cite the author and TJI as the source. With that you have our permission and blessing. We also hope you will share this with others.

May God bless you in what you do in His service toward glorifying His name. We believe preaching to be the greatest work in the world and we hope to strengthen both your preaching and your resolve.

- from The Editors, Jeff and Dale TheJenkinsInstitute@gmail.com

The Value of Long-Term Ministry

by TOMMY HAYNES, thaynes@moorecentral.org

Wendell Winkler in a class about the preacher’s life and work said, “Preachers who leave to go to another congregation often, are simply trading problems they do know about for those they don’t.” This was wise and sage advice I took to heart as a member of that class. He also taught me to never make a decision in the valley of discouragement when it comes to moving. Perhaps I have stayed discouraged for almost 30 years!

As one who has stayed with the same congregation for almost 30 years, I can speak very positively about long-term ministry. I believe it is an advisable concept.

It is not only beneficial to the congregation, but also to the preacher and his family.

Long-term ministry benefits the congregation because they do not have to worry so much about negative change. Far too often today we hear of preachers

moving because the congregation was changing its “direction” or orientation from a strong biblical position to that which is more humanistic. In most of these cases the preacher has little to say about moving, but if a man has stayed a long time, even if new elders are appointed, he is in a unique position to assist those elders in the direction in which they lead the congregation. There is also the issue of consistency in ministries. Face it, most preachers help start most of the ministries in the congregations where they serve. Too often, those ministries wain and die when the preacher leaves. Staying with one congregation allows ministries to be built and become firmly rooted, so even if he does eventually leave, the work has become permanent.

Staying long-term also benefits the preacher because it keeps him on his toes.

A man who stays only a short time may preach the same set of sermons he preached in the last church. A man who stays is virtually forced to study in order to stay fresh in the pulpit. Worn-out sermons simply won’t cut it. Staying also leads the minister toward staying abreast of current affairs and trends (both good and bad) in church growth and ministry. The long-term minister is also in a unique position to help his community. Having been here for 12 years before the first major tornado in my community, I was able to provide a voice and face people recognized. When the second and third tornadoes came, that did not change, and increased our ability to minister. The stability of the preacher is just one factor, but it is a real advantage.

Staying for a long time can benefit the preacher’s family. Preacher’s kids usually have had a nomadic life. This is seldom preferable to being able to take root and flourish. There are no guarantees that your children will fare better than those who move often, but it does have positive benefits. Your child can develop lasting friendships, can be a true part of the church and grow in their spirituality.

The preacher’s wife can help develop various ministries (children’s ministry, women’s ministry, etc.) because she becomes a positive fixture in the congregation.

Your wife will also feel like an effective part of both the church and local community because she will have the time to get involved.

I am sure that there are numerous arguments for moving often, or every decade or two, but my experience has been that it was better to stay. I believe God

has blessed the church, my family, and me personally because I chose to stay.“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Of paramount importance here is our knowledge and treatment of scripture. But of secondary importance is our study and awareness of a broad range of knowledge.

The apostle Paul’s familiarity with the Gentile world and their poets earned him a hearing in Athens (Acts 17:16-34).

Long-Term Ministry & Loving the Journey

by PAUL SHERO, paul.shero@sgcoc.com

In December, Patsy and I will begin our 39th year with the Southgate congregation in San Angelo. When we moved in on Christmas Eve in 1977, we were a young couple with two young daughters, ages 4 and 7. During the past 38 years, our girls have grown up, married, and given us 7 grandchildren.

Our youngest grandchild is 13 years old.

The congregation has also changed. The membership is larger.

I n 1 9 8 9 , w e m ove d f r o m a downtown location known as Colorado and Jackson St. to the south edge of town and renamed the congregation Southgate. None of the original elders who were the shepherds when we moved here are still living. Most of original congregation is gone – moved or passed away. Our long tenure has been seen as an accomplishment to most, and a surprise to many!

I would like to list what I see as the benefits of a long tenure. A long tenure forces you to face and deal with problems. A short tenure is like a college roommate. If it doesn’t work out, you can just get another. Just be polite and, in a little while, move. A long tenure is more like a marriage. The problems will be identified and must be dealt with if the marriage is to survive.

The congregation at Southgate knows me – the real me. Warts and all. They know my strengths and weaknesses. I can’t hide from them. This is good. I want to be a better man; I want to be the best I can be. The congregation will help. I

have opportunity to repent and repair my life. This is not an enjoyable process, but it is real, and it is helpful.

The congregation responds to me. The real me; not the preacher that newcomers or visitors might perceive me to be. This intimacy also allows me to know the congregation. We have been through so much together. This allows me to know them like their siblings or parents might know them. When I go to their house, they have to let me in.

I bury their parents, wives, husbands, and children. I have baptized them, their children, and grandchildren. This closeness is like money in the bank. We can draw on the account we have in each other’s heart and get through the valley together. We can argue…maybe even fight a little…but no one is going anywhere.

Because we are family. There are many that come and go that we may not get as close to. But there is a core congregation that I know and they know me.

Long tenure forces you to grow as a preacher. If you just stay a little while, you can preach your best stuff, then move on. You can spend a lifetime in the shallows. But if you are staying, you must study. Every week has a Sunday, so you must dig and mine deeper for the truths of God’s word.

I have found expository preaching to be a great help. When the Word guides you, you never run out of important messages to share. I also read all the time. You need to read two or three books a week. This keeps the bucket full so you have something to draw on. This demand is a great blessing. Just think! The congregation pays me to study God’s word! They support me as I grow in Christ.

Long tenure allows you time to harvest crops you planted. It is nice to harvest the fruit that another has planted. But there is no pleasure like seeing someone come to God when you were the first one who made contact with them.

A few Sundays ago, a man showed up for services. I have been visiting with this man for 25 years. He said it’s time for him to get right with God. And I am the only preacher he knows. He is not home yet, but he is close.

Thirty five years ago, we as a congregation set some goals. One of them was to have a school. Last spring we had our second graduating class. We have an accredited school that currently serves approximately 110 students, grades Pre-K thru 12th. I have been a part of seeing this dream come to fruition.

Because I have been here so long, our family has been able to put down deep roots. We have lived in the same house for over 35 years. My children grew up in that house. They moved away, and then came back to San Angelo.

My grandchildren are growing up here. I know people all over town. One of the reasons Southgate is known all over town, is because I am known all over town.

When former members come back to visit Patsy and I are among the few who remember them. When the congregation goes through some trouble, the depth of our relationships has been a major factor in the survival of the congregation.

As I think about the future of this congregation, I am optimistic. I know these young men and women. I helped teach them. I performed their weddings. I love them and I know them. So, I am optimistic about the future.

Paul is the author of From Mother’s Day to Father’s Day that can be purchased HERE.

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Long Term Ministry and Evangelizing the Lost

by DAN JENKINS, ddjenkins@earthlink.net

Do you long to be part of a long ministry with a church that is evangelistic?

Think of the impact on the church if every preacher read Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus at least twice every year paying special attention to those action verbs describing his place in the kingdom of God. Doing this might help each of us to have a deeper understanding of what the apostle had in mind when he said, “Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” What is that ministry which Paul had in mind when he used these words? God’s plan is for evangelists to evangelize.

Unfortunately, the concept many congregations have of the primary work to be done by a local preacher is to minister to the saints leaving little time for being

an evangelist. This can easily result in discouragement among younger preachers.

That frustration often comes because of a realization that the primary work of the preacher is not to manage the church, to spend hours doing “pastoral” work or to be at the beck and call of every member. The primary work of an evangelist is to evangelize!

To see the reality of this situation let me ask every reader a simple question. In the last month how many times did you sit with a lost person to talk to them about Jesus? Look at the last year, how many times did you discuss salvation in a personal conversation with the lost? It is possible for a preacher to spend several years at a congregation, but unless the preacher is involved in leading the lost to Christ he can become frustrated, and the church will not be evangelistic.

Because these words are appearing on the site of the Jenkins Institute perhaps I should give you some insight as to why my brother, Jerry, was able to work 44 years at one congregation and average 50 baptisms per year. How did this happen?

Jerry was determined to spend much of his time in working, not with members, but with the lost. He regularly taught seven home studies each week and sometimes as many as ten studies. My brother understood that doing the work an evangelist is to evangelize!

Long term ministry and evangelism is the result of a new preacher being evangelistic when he arrives and continuing this year after year. Obviously, the principle of leaven is part of this total picture. The soul consciousness of the pulpit begins to spread into the soul consciousness of the pew. It is true that it will never spread throughout the entire membership, but the church will change and great joy will be shared by the presence of babes becoming part of the family of God. It is never too late to start. Find those key people (both young and old) and build a team to work with you in creating an evangelistic spirit. When you stand in the pulpit without visitors present preach more about Mark 16:15 than about Mark 16:16. Ask those who lead public prayers to include praying for open doors—that’s what Paul did. Make the church visitor friendly to those who come. The key to long term ministry and building an evangelistic spirit in the church is to begin where you are in your ministry and focus on your primary work. Then continue this emphasis.

Short term evangelistic preaching leads to long term evangelistic preaching. It is never too late to start. “Do the work of an evangelist” for this is how you fulfill the ministry He has for you!

How to Have a Successful Long-Term Ministry in a Small Town

By RUSS CROSSWHITE, grcross@nexband.com

Fulton, Mississippi, the town where I have served as a local preacher for the past twenty-three years, has a population of about four thousand. It is a small town in Northeast Mississippi. Many of the people here are deeply religious and most are members of the denomination their families have been for many generations. Also, the majority of the people in Fulton have lived here all or most of their lives. We do not have many “new” people move into our area. There are exceptions, but as a general rule, that is the situation here. A small town has its challenges, but also its opportunities.

Our topic for this article is “How to have a Successful Long-Term Ministry in a Small Town.” In regard to those outside the church one thing you have to know about a small community is that it takes a while for you to be “accepted.” Almost immediately people will know you are the new preacher in town, but you are an outsider for a while. It is important to spend time with people away from the church building. If they sense you are a part of the town and do not consider yourself any better than them they will be your best friend and accept you as part of the community. It will not happen overnight but with patience and time, it is worth it. I have coached park and recreation basketball for both boys and girls. Also, most in small towns there is usually a locally owned restaurant. You can go in the morning for a few minutes and drink a cup of coffee and visit with people. These are some things I have done over the years and it helped toward being “accepted” in the community.

In regard to the local church where you serve there are a few things I would suggest that might help toward a long-term ministry in a small town. You must realize a large percentage of people in a small town have lived there most if not all their lives and your members have many relatives that live there too. If you will regularly visit the church members parents, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. in their homes it will mean so much to other family members and they will never forget it. In a small town you can do that more often than in a large city.

So an opportunity is there that you need to capture to serve the Lord’s church and His cause. Also, it will help if you visit every member who is in the hospital. And not only your members, but in a small town you will be asked to visit relatives or community members who are in the hospital. Sometimes it is not always convenient, but it can make a big difference. There have been times in which I am leaving the hospital and run into someone from the community or another congregation in the area and discover one of their family members is in the hospital. Often I thought I did not have the time, but have discovered that whenever I go back in the hospital to visit the family they appreciate it greatly and you have an opportunity to influence them for Christ and create good will for the local church where you serve. And in a small town word will get out whether you visit or not. Visitation is very important in a small town. And that is a good thing. It is something large cities generally miss out on.

Also, in a small town, it is important to attend the visitations at funeral homes not only when a church member dies but also for others in the community. That is very important in a small town because the deceased most likely is related to someone in the congregation where you serve.

The key is to be around people, visit with them, and live Christianity before them. Then you might have an opportunity to lead them to Christ and/or mature them in Christ.

 

 

LONG-TERM MINISTRY & BEING A PART OF THE COMMUNITY WHERE YOU LIVE

by JOHN W. DALE, jdale@murray-ky.net

Having recently retired from a fulfilling 46 year tour of duty (39 on the full time ministry staff with the Glendale Church of Christ in Murray, Kentucky, preceded by seven years with the New Providence church just outside of Murray), I am honored to be asked to write regarding community involvement in such a setting.

When I was a teenager, the late beloved Ira North influenced me to seek a longterm ministry in a locality where I could establish my family, raise my children, love the brethren, and “roll up my sleeves, get to work, and stay with it through thick and thin.” He said, “Tell the brethren ‘I’m here to stay; whatever happens to you happens to me; I’ll rejoice with you on the mountain tops and walk with you through the valleys. We’re in this together to work hand in hand and heart in heart until we die or until Jesus comes.’” That’s what I set out to do, and rest assured it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but it’s been a wonderful trip. I’m thankful to God that it’s not over yet, though the day to day expectations and stresses of “local work” are behind me. God has blessed us in wonderful church relationships in a wonderful community, and my family and I are eternally grateful.

While I have no brag rights for my decades of ministry in Murray and Calloway County, Kentucky, I have enjoyed a gracious reception from the people who have allowed me to be with them in the good times and the bad. However, with that blessing can come the temptation to seek the “…praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). There is a fine line between clean, biblical motives and ulterior, even sinful, motives for doing “good works” (Matthew 6:1-4). When the apostle Paul said he became “all things to all men,” he was not compromising his convictions to gain approval from people, but he was sincerely trying to trade places with those who were different (“to the Jew…to the weak…,” etc.), to see things through their eyes, and their hearts, in order to help at least some of them (1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 10:31-33; cf. Luke 6:26; Galatians 1:10; James 4:4).

The longer a minister stays in a community and strives to practice the ‘Golden Rule’ among the population of that community, the more opportunities he’ll find for serving the loyal church members, the wayward members, the non-members, the needy, the outcasts, and those who may be seeking the way of the Lord. Praying for God to open doors for the spread of the gospel (cf. Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9;

2 Corinthians 2:12-13), and then seizing those opportunities He providentially places in our paths, will be much more productive when years of groundwork have been done. Most people don’t trust strangers, at least not quickly. But if you have walked with those people through tragedy, shown compassion to them in times of special need, comforted them in the deaths of their precious loved ones, and been truthful with them when given opportunities to address their questions, there is much about which to praise God. It’s also helpful to rejoice with them when they’re happy and successful. Congratulate them on graduations, anniversaries, achievements, and advancements. Give “honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 12:15; 13:7).

Like Cornelius, a God-fearing man, generous, prayerful man, we can develop “a good reputation,” (Acts 10:2,22-24; cf. Acts 2:42,44,47; 16:1-2; 3 John 12). We can gain respect and confidence, even if we don’t (yet) agree on all points of doctrine. And that friendship can open doors for communication of specific teachings that can result in conversion and fellowship. What a blessing to go daily into the market place of life among the people whom you love and who love you, sharing time and life with them!

Staying a long time in one place is not necessarily a virtue or goal within itself.

But if it can be done effectively, it can bless the preacher and his family, and it can bless a community of precious people, all of whom have feelings and needs, and all of whom will answer before Jesus in the final day. May we commit ourselves, and daily recommit ourselves, to helping them be saved in heaven forever! May God bless us to that end!

Why Long Term Ministry is Good for the Local Church

by PHILLIP HINES, phines@bellsouth.net

The past thirty-six years have flown by for me! It was never my goal or intention to stay with one church for this long. Soon after I began my work with the Hartselle congregation, many people informed me that no previous preacher had ever stayed here for more than six years! So, in those early days, I thought that four or five years would be a long stay for me. Another thing to consider was that I didn’t have a written contract. There was just a verbal agreement between the elders and me.

With no binding contract, my time here could have been even shorter than four or five years. And now, thirty-six years later, I still have no written contract!

Having a long tenure at Hartselle has certainly benefitted me as a preacher, and I feel it has also blessed the church. Mark Ashton writes, “It is only with time that a minister gets to know and understand his congregation, and to be known and understood by them (Ash, Davis and White 19).� The following are three main reasons which indicate that a long term ministry is good for the local church: Stability There is nothing that gives more stability to a church than having a minister serve for a long term. When a frequent change of preachers occurs, the church must continually adjust to the dynamics of a new minister. Instead of being able to

focus on evangelism and growth, the church is sidetracked. It was somewhere between my fifth and eighth year at Hartselle that we began to be more soul conscious. It took that long for the church, and me, to go through that transition and establish the necessary stability. We began to reach out in ways in which the church had never reached out before. To name a few; we began a jail/prison ministry, had many successful community campaigns at the Hartselle Civic Center, and established mission works in both Romania and Brazil.

I realize that simply having the same preacher at a church for a long period of time is no guarantee for growth. I know of some churches where ministers have been there for many years, and yet they are actually much smaller in membership than before that preacher arrived. However, stability is necessary for any church to grow, both numerically and spiritually. A long term minister can help provide the source for that stability.

The Church Will Have a Better Preacher A minister has to be a life time learner. Brother Basil Overton use to say to young preachers at International Bible College (Heritage University), “Boys, your sermons need to always be green and growing. Otherwise, they will get ripe. And when they get ripe, you get picked!” Moving frequently often allows a preacher to become, as someone has noted, “a recycler of ideas and sermons.” When you are committed and stay somewhere long term, you have to be up-to-date in everything you do. Even though the message never changes, we have to be growing and stretching ourselves to present that message in new and more powerful ways. This makes for a more effective communicator of the gospel.

More Effective Outreach in the Community I can’t count the times the people in our community have asked me how long I have been at Hartselle. When I answer them, they always say, “That speaks volumes about you and the Hartselle Church of Christ.” People outside of the church recognize that there is something special about a church that has a minister

Be sure to check each week on our preacher polls. Vote and check out past links at: http:// www.thejenkinsinstitute.com/institute-mediapages/survey-results-link/

for a long period of time. Through the process of time, and with his involvement, the preacher is known by the community. School leaders, community leaders, civic organizations, business owners, and local residents come to know him by name and by reputation. As a result, the church is known, barriers come down, and doors are opened.

Works Sited Ash, Christopher, Davis, Mary and White, Bob. Persistently Preaching Christ.

Christian Focus Publications.

What do you guys at TheJenkinsInstitute do?

LONG-TERM MINISTRY & BUILDING STRONG STAFF RELATIONSHIPS by: TED BURLESON, tdburleson@bellsouth.net

There are many preachers who could write with more experience and authority on the value of a long-term ministry. My longest tenure with any congregation has been sixteen years. However, I’ve thankful for the opportunity to share some thoughts with those in ministry.

Several big picture thoughts about long-term ministry are in order. First, I am thankful for the Lord’s blessings. Without Him, I could do nothing. Other than the Lord, the next key to long-term ministry is a great wife and family. My wife is from a family where her dad served as an elder in the church and her brothers have both served the church effectively in ministry and especially in Christian education. Our adult children bless our lives and each has his own ministry whether it is teaching in a local congregation or in a Christian university.

Before you can have great staff relations you have to have an effective eldership. The two congregations I have served for the longest each had strong elderships. The congregation which I currently serve has three elders who seem like brothers to me. I respect them and I believe that they respect me. Mutual respect goes a long way. If I stay in my current role for many more years, it will be because of the guidance and leadership of the elders.

If you are going to stay with a congregation for a long time, you need an effective ministry team. Perhaps the team members are not full time employees of the church. If you are blessed with co-workers, then you should be a happy person.

My co-workers through the years are among my best friends in the world. I served as an associate preacher for two seasoned preachers and love them dearly and count them as mentors still today. If you are in a supporting role, remind the preacher that you are not after his job. Be kind to the church secretary and respect her role. The input of the church secretary on your job performance will carry more weight than any other position when the elders begin evaluating your effectiveness.

The closest relationships other than those in your family will be the relationship you have with your fellow ministers on staff. Over the years I have been blessed to work with several associate ministers. Youth ministers with whom I have been privileged to serve are among my closest friends. People like Jerry Elder and Ryan Gallagher are as close as brothers to me. We have traveled together, conducted hundreds of funerals together, and seen the best and worst times

together. I’ve been with them when they became new fathers and they have helped me bury my parents. Without the support of co-workers, I would have amounted to less that I am today.

If you are blessed to have strong staff relationships, do not take it for granted.

Cover for each other. Do not sit idly by and be silent when your co-worker is being thrown under the proverbial bus. You would not let someone speak despairingly about your wife or children, so why would you allow someone to speak evil of your work companion? It does not give you an advantage to see your co-worker hurt.

When you need someone to stick up for you on those days you are in the valley of despair, your co-worker will be there for you if you have previously been there for him. When you celebrate on the mountain top of success, share the lime light with those who help you reach the heights of success.

A FRESH, NEW BEGINNING AFTER A LONG-TERM MINISTRY by: JERRY ELDER, jmelder@charter.net

With the average Youth Minister stay at congregations being 18 months, if you had told me I would stay 30 years at one congregation, I would have told you “It can happen!” So what happens when you leave and start again? What stays the same, what changes in the new place that you are going to be serving?

Here are a few things from a personal perspective that happens when you begin a new work.

You feel great!! Now that’s not to say that when you left your last work you were just “going through the motions”,(it was painful to leave) for me it was much like

being 23 again and with the nervousness and anticipation, I couldn’t wait to get started.

Old things become new again! No I’m not talking about programs, events and activities, (even though they may be new to the work you are going to) I’m speaking of making relationships that will last for a life time, with families, a new group of friends, a new leadership, a new ministry staff. All of this is new and this revitalizes you and your efforts. Embrace it!

The doors open to a new opportunities! New places, new faces. The chance to serve in different ways. You get the chance to view your work through a new set of glasses. Let it also go deep down into your heart.

It’s okay to look back so you can look forward! Take the good and the bad and use them for the betterment of the new work! I tell youth ministers when they go to a new work to ask the kids and the leadership the five favorite things they do as a group. Once noted, continue to do those things then add five of your favorites. You will see the ones that work and will be able to discard those things that are not successful. Press onward!

It rebuilds the fire that once was in you! Like any new work, there is an excitement that comes from inside. The focus that could have become a bit blurred comes back again. The passion for the work renews. There is a change, you determine how that change will be. Rekindle the fire.

You look forward to the next 30 years…plus! With your renewed spirit, revitalized abilities and rebuilt attitudes, you can continue to do the things you love. Be a minister for the Lord. This applies not only to Youth Ministry, but to preaching and ANY aspect of the Lord’s work. People ask me about retirement some day. Honestly, I don’t give it a lot of thought (oh, I know age will creep in) and I know there will be more changes. But I look forward to another LONG term ministry with the congregation that I love!

LONG-TERM MINISTRY AND WORKING WITH ELDERS by: DAVID A. SARGENT, davidsargent1@comcast.net

20 years. That’s how long I’ve been one of the ministers of the Creekwood church, and that’s how long I have served with elders. In that span, I have served under several different elders, some of whom have passed on, some retired, and some continue to serve.

Creekwood currently has three elders, one of whom is my Dad, Glenn Sargent. The way I look at it: my Dad and the other two elders are still training me!

What is the value of serving with elders in long-term ministry? One is that you really get to know one another. You get to know each other’s strengths, growth areas, and how each one thinks. You get to know each one’s passions, struggles, and joys. Another value is that you and the elders can really get to know the flock. Just as shepherds kept their sheep primarily for their wool in Bible times and thus kept them over long periods of time (cf. John 10:1-18), even so long-term shepherds and ministers of a congregation have opportunities to know members of the flock much more intimately, and thus are better able to assist them.

What are the keys for ministers in working with elders over the long-haul? Here are a few keys from Scripture and from experience.

Love and respect your elders. “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). Contextually, we understand one of those “honors” is the permitted possibility of receiving financial or material support for their work. The other “honor” is the respect and appreciation that our elders always need to receive from us.

Have a team approach. “We’re all in this together.” We are working for the same Master and for the same team (the church). I am in most elders meetings at Creekwood – offering ideas, giving feedback, gaining direction.

We’re not in competition with each other; we’re working together against a common enemy (Satan) and for a group of people (the congregation) that we love and want to lead to heaven.

Do your work. As Paul instructed Timothy, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). Our elders should never be concerned about whether or not we are striving to “do our jobs.” We must be self-starters and work hard for the Lord. That will make our elders proud, too.

Let the elders do their work and encourage them to that end. Allow and encourage the elders to oversee, shepherd, protect, discipline, correct, direct, nurture, restore, and teach the flock (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Assist them in these good works, but encourage and follow their lead.

Protect your elders. Paul instructed Timothy: “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19). Refuse to participate in complaining about the elders. If a member has a concern, encourage that member to go directly to the elders. If you have a concern, talk to the elders.

Communicate with your elders. The nature of the work of elders and ministers requires confidentiality but also openness and frankness in addressing some very difficult issues within the lives of the members of the congregation. Be willing to address some difficult issues, even about things concerning which there may be disagreement. Talk through them with love, understanding, and Biblical conviction.

Pray for your elders. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Wouldn’t this include praying for our elders? “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:3).

Hebrews 13:17 was written to all members of the church, including ministers: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

An

Interview

  So, it does seem important to strive, when healthy and possible and positive for the Lord’s Church, for the minister to stay a while. With that in mind we talked with 3 guys who have stayed. Between the three guys we interviewed for this conversation they have 110 years in their current works. Steve Baggett has been at Walnut Street in Dickson, TN for 15, Gary Bradley, SR has worked with the Mayfair church in Huntsville, AL for 36, and Gerald Romine has preached for the Roanoke Church of Christ in Alabama for 59 (yes, you read that right), 59 years. These men know longevity.

TJI: Why Do You Believe Long-Term Ministry With A Congregation is important?

GR: I believe that it is important. I believe there are several things to be gained by a long-term ministry. Think of the similarities between that and other things that are long term. A doctor, dentist, lawyer and others move into an area and establish themselves. How many of them would have a successful practice by moving every year or two?

SB: Long-term ministry provides stability for a congregation, and stability provides a basis for growth. It also gives the minister and the congregation the opportunity to grow in their love for one another. When the congregation knows their preacher loves them deeply, they will be receptive to his preaching, even when it hits them hard.

GB: Because of my personal experience and research proving that a congregation with a long tenured preacher experiences lasting health and effectiveness.

TJI: Do you believe you should plan for long-term ministry or just let it happen?

GB: Yes, one should plan for long-term ministry. In my experience and observation, it takes five to seven years for leadership trust to be established by the congregation in the preacher. In order for a preacher to mobilize the membership, he must stay long enough for members to follow him. It takes even longer for trust to be developed by the community. Regretfully, the average tenure of preachers in our brotherhood is two to four years.

SB: It should be planned. Both elderships and preachers should have a long, healthy, loving relationship as a primary goal. To plan otherwise is, in my opinion, creating a scenario where the members of the congregation will be hesitant to form friendships with a new minister. This will hinder his ability to effectively minister to them, because they know he will only be there for a short time.

GR: Planning is always good. I believe to plan for a long term ministry one would have to consider himself and the anticipated church. No doubt, there are churches that are not interested in a long term ministry. The mind set would have to change in some situations. I believe this is similar to a marriage relationship. There are good men and women who are Christians that are not suited for each other as companions. There are good churches and good ministers that are not suited for each other over a long term. As in marriage, there are a lot of situations that have to be work out between the couple. They can and will be as long as the couple is willing to work together. Same is true with the church and the minister.

TJI: What are some things you believe are important if you want to have a longterm ministry with the same congregation?

GR: Have As Many Things As Possible In Common. Each Needs To Know The Other's Views With Regards To Doctrinal Issues. All Must Keep An Open Mind And Be Willing To Look At Any Question Honestly And Fairly.

GB: First of all, a spiritual chemistry must exist between a preacher and a congregation for them to work together effectively. The preacher should understand the DNA of the membership, and the members must respect and appreciate him and his value. A preacher can’t be perfect; neither can members, but an accepting relationship between the two must be developed.

Secondly, there must be a mutual commitment to growth made by the preacher and the leadership. A mushroom will grow up overnight, but an oak tree takes 60 years.

Thirdly, as an old preacher told me when I was young, “You gotta want to stay, and you gotta have someone who wants you to stay.

SB: Every minister of the gospel should not only love the Lord, His word, and the church universal; he must decide to deeply love the local congregation which has invited him to become part of their family. Every congregation has their own "family rules" for the way things are done, just like physical families do. Thus, in order to promote a long-term relationship with a congregation, the preacher should not try to immediately change the way things are done. He should honor who they are, love them for who they are, and only suggest improvements when he has finally become part of that family and loves them deeply.

TJI: How do you stay fresh in a long-term ministry?

SB: Regular reading and study of the word. Adapting one's method of preaching (not the content) to appeal to the ever-changing culture. Staying aware of world events. Regular vacations. Listening to other preachers/teachers. Bouncing ideas off others.

GR: That is not an easy matter but I am sure it is not easy short term. It is like any other long term situation. How does one keep the Lord's Supper fresh and meaningful each Lord's day. We have to work at the job.

GB: First, Pray, Pray, Pray; Secondly, Study, Study, Study; Thirdly, Visit, Visit, Visit— Stay in the lives of your members. These are the triplets of ministry. Never stop praying, never stop learning, never stop listening to your members and learning what is going on in their lives. If you don’t throw the plug during the week, don’t expect to catch anything on Sunday.

TJI: Was there a time in your ministry when you determined not to move? If yes, please describe that time.

GB: By all means. There are several times that come to mind, but one in particular when the opportunity arose to serve a church whose long-time former minister was my favorite preacher. I did not move because I had made a commitment to Mayfair, and God was blessing us with exceptional spiritual health.

GR: I Don't Remember Ever Saying To Myself Or Anyone That I Would Never Move.

At The Same Time, Things Would Have To Change Drastically Before I Would Consider A Move. If I Honestly Felt That A Move Would Be Better For The Church, I Would Move Or Step Down.

SB: Yes! When Pam and I moved to Dickson to work with the Walnut Street congregation, we made the commitment that, as long as the Lord would allow, we were not going to leave. We have now been with this wonderful church family for nearly 15 years and hope to be here in some role for years to come.

TJI: Have you discussed long-term ministry with the churches leaders and if so at what point?

SB: Yes, our intent to be a "long-termer" has been part of our discussions with the last two congregations with which we have worked. We made our intentions known at the very beginning of our discussions with both congregations. We were

fortunate to work with the church in Franklin, KY for 12 years and have been at Walnut Street for nearly 15 years.

GB: This topic was discussed at length at the beginning of my ministry at Mayfair, and every year an evaluation of my work and effectiveness was made and discussed with the leadership. The discussion was on how we could continue to make church growth decisions.

GR: It Has Never Been Discussed Officially Between Us. There Was Casual Mention Of Long Term Before I Made The Move. I Can Only Hope The Lord Has Been Pleased With What I Have Done. After All, That Is All That Really Matters.

TJI: What are the best couple of results from your long-term ministry with one congregation?

GR: Developing Life Long Relationship With At Least Two Generations And Perhaps More. Seeing Everyone Coming Together As A Family. Witnessing Spiritual Growth Is Always Encouragement.

SB: It is such a blessing to share in joy of the birth of a child with one of your church families, watch that child grow, preach to and teach him/her God's word, observe his/her spiritual development into a mature servant of the Lord, and then work alongside him/her in preaching the gospel to others. This only happens when the preacher stays with a congregation.

GB: Number one is the peace and unity enjoyed within the congregation and leadership.

Number two is the high morale developed in the congregation in teaching and living the gospel.

TJI: What are one or two possible downsides to a long-term ministry?

GR: Not Knowing When Is The Best Time To Leave. Seeing People That Know Better Walk Away From Serving The Lord.

GB: The longer you stay, the more the members become your closest friends and as the storms of life come, you weather them together making their burdens your burdens. Were it not for shepherds who shared in meeting the needs of the members, one’s load could become extremely heavy. Secondly, there could be a danger of being taken for granted in increased dependence on the preacher.

SB: I do believe it is possible to remain in a specific role with a congregation for too long. Some preachers and churches have successfully navigated through the rough waters of changing ministers after someone has stayed too long, but many have great difficulty with that kind of change. The danger is not recognizing the need for a change and thinking of the congregation as "my" church.

TJI: What is one thing you would like to tell a young preacher who desires to build a long-term ministry?

GB: When making your decision for ministry, make sure it is a life and not a job or a profession. Partner with your family and depend always on the Lord to allow Him to work in your life. It’s not all about you. You must have a great deal of help— human and divine.

GR: Look at it just like looking for a companion. What do we have in common and how difficult will it be to work our problems as they arise?

STEVE: Love that church dearly. Tell them often of your love for them.

Demonstrate your love for them by not only preaching the gospel to them but by serving them in every way possible. Be real in your love for them. Make it your goal to first be a member of that church family, and then be their preacher.