What Keeps a Person in a Long-Term, Lifetime Ministry?
A young Bible College graduate recently asked me a question. He is an honest and passionate young man who wishes to enter vocational ministry but is uncertain of his ability to stay. His question was direct and simple, the answer not so much. Here it is with my attempted response.
"Pastor Al, what has kept you in a place of vocational ministry for well over four decades?"
The question provoked some significant thought on my part. In order to help me answer the question, I felt I needed to conduct an ad hoc, non-scientific poll among some of my colleagues: those who have given their lives to vocational ministry. What keeps us engaged? When we face inevitable disappointments, what fuels the fire of resilience that holds us to our station? Here are the results of my investigations added to my own thoughts.
Next month, I will attempt to answer the question of resilience. In this blog, I will deal with the first question.
What keeps a woman or man engaged in a life-long vocational ministry?
Call – There is a general call to every disciple of Jesus to surrender their plans and purposes to God's superior plans. However, to some, there is a specific and definite call, a clear prompting of the Holy Spirit to commit their 'one and only life' exclusively to the cause of the Gospel. This may come at any age or stage and will be unique to each individual. Nevertheless, it seems common and real for all who remain for lengthy tenure. Every minister I spoke with, who had served in ministry for decades, referred to this as a 'keystone.' The undeniable 'call' of God to ministry enabled them to persevere over a lifetime. When tempted to leave, each stated that the 'call' held them steady and committed. They could not escape from it.
Colleagues – Every minister I spoke with indicated that at key times, in stressful situations, in times of grief, betrayal or disappointment, the encouragement of colleagues in ministry helped them through the tidal surge. Each one could recount certain individuals who spoke words of life and encouragement at specific times, providing the octane boost they needed. Rueben Welch entitled a little book, "We Really Do Need Each Other." He hit the nail on the head. Many times in ministry, when I was tempted to go back to my secular trade, God sent someone to speak the exact words I needed to give me the courage to continue. Those who try to go alone will be extremely lonely. Loneliness can take the edge off vision and hinder decision-making capacity. Talk it out with a trusted colleague before you walk away.
Commitment – the investment of a life in vocational ministry requires unwavering focus. Even when a situation necessitates a 'tent-making' arrangement, the ministry must be the first call. Outside vocational interests are there only to serve the call. Many of the pioneers of our Fellowship were bi-vocational. However, the trade was always understood to enhance the first call. When I was involved in missions ministry, I was obligated to work in the trades to supplement my income. However, the certainty of my call kept me from defaulting to that trade even though I enjoyed the work. Ministry is my life. I cannot remain satisfied or fulfilled doing anything else. That understanding keeps me anchored and focused and in it for the stretch.
Challenge – those who succeed in life and leadership do so because they embrace challenges. A challenge to the next, a challenge to exercise faith, and a challenge to help others succeed all provide the impetus to continue long-term in ministry. Thomas Edison, the inventor who patented over 1,900 new items, stated: "Nearly every man who develops an idea works it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then he gets discouraged. That's not the place to become discouraged." The key to long-term ministry is recognizing that each challenge provides a new opportunity for the next breakthrough level. Be assured that vocational ministry will offer you many such opportunities but will also reward you with the satisfaction of accomplishment.
One of my great joys during my formative years in ministry was the opportunity I had to sit with some of the pioneers of our Fellowship, learning from those who had blazed the trail ahead of me. Individuals like A.H. Stiller, Henry Osterhouse, Ivar Roset, Albert Lindoff, Jack Keys and many others enriched my life as I listened to them recount God's faithfulness over a lifetime of ministry. Their stories of faith were like a propellent to me. They cheered me on, encouraging me to go farther in faith and to accomplish more in ministry than I imagined I could. Now, they are the cloud of witnesses whose proven testimony constantly reminds me that a life spent exclusively in the service of Christ is the best life possible when you are called to it.
My young friend asked me a final question, "Pastor Al, would you do it again?" I had no problem with that answer. "In a heartbeat, young man. When you obey the call of God, there is no life like it!"