12 Qualities of Pastors Who Last
A pandemic and sociological upheaval leave pastors facing increased threats to their relationships, mental health, and longevity.
Some of the longest serving pastors of many of the most vibrant churches in Canada, share a few of their secrets of resilience. A majority of the pastors have over 35 years of ministry and marriage experience. Here’s what helped them soar when so many others flamed out.
12 Qualities of Pastors Who Last
1. Pastors who last age in place without becoming archaic.
Pastors can be in the same church for over 20 years and remain fresh. The key is that they haven’t had a one-year-experience twenty times. They re-invented themselves through their time of ministry because they are adaptive leaders.
2. Pastors who last are life long learners.
Healthy pastors stay current with the latest leadership book releases, blogs, podcasts, and periodicals. They have a voracious appetite for reading. Canoeing the Mountains is one such book.
3. Pastors who last have spouses who love them and are the biggest fan of their leadership.
Ministry is taxing on marriages and families. Without a spouse’s supportive partnership, leaders flame out.
When Gary Kubiak was hired in 2015 to be the head coach of the NFL Denver Broncos, he made a point of lauding his wife, Rhonda, for her support. “…this business, without a great family, is tough. For me to go out and chase my dreams, Rhonda is always letting me do that. It’s a tough business, a lot of hours, a lot of work. She’s always kept it under control and said, ‘Go get after it.’ So we’re going to get after it again here.”
Pastors and coaches have a lot in common. Spouses who “go after it” with their pastor partners are the biggest factor in leadership longevity.
Stop right here. Do something unexpectedly kind for your spouse to say thanks for his or her support.
4. Pastors who last know its always too soon to quit.
Every honest pastor will tell you they’ve experienced the ever present temptation to quit. Durable pastors refuse to quit in order to finish well. The difference between quitting and finishing is always a character issue.
5. Pastors who last are consistent and flexible.
Pastors with proven dependability lead resilient, nimble churches. Durability creates dependability and stability, which is the foundation of flexibility. Significant course corrections are best navigated with a seasoned pilot at the helm because ministry advances at the speed of trust. Massive organizations can make major changes because of durable leadership.
6. Pastors who last laugh and they leave the people they lead, laughing.
A sense of humour is indispensable when leading people through un-fun moments in their lives.
7. Pastors who last honour the successes of the past and launch bold new initiatives.
8. Pastors who last may not be known as innovators but succeed at adapting and adopting the innovations of others.
Smart pastors selectively apply the proven strategies, systems, and structures of others.
9. Pastors who last have a self-sustaining passion for what they do.
They are internally motivated and know how to encourage themselves.
10. Pastors who last recognize that there are seasons of ministry.
With the Lord of the harvest, there is always a “next year” to follow a season of disappointments. Ministry seasons are not sequential. After a summer of seeding, the anticipation of a harvest season may be lost to an unexpected blizzard of wintry conflict. But winter is not forever. There will always be a spring of new seasons of God’s favour.
11. Pastors who last are seldom the smartest person in the room.
Wise pastors rely on the proven wisdom of consultants, mentors and seasoned veterans. Durable pastors seek counsel. They ask lots of questions. They know who can get them the answers or where to find the answers they need.
12. Pastors who last ask the right questions to achieve their big picture goals.
Good leadership questions are, “What do I want to accomplish in the next 30 days?” AND “Who do I want to become in the next season of my life?” The answers to both questions are required to lead well and long.
Where are you in your leadership journey and what are you learning about lasting? Please leave a comment at the bottom of this page.