On our date we began talking about the things that we have learned over the last 30 years of being in the ministry. Here is a combination of his list and mine.
(They are not listed in any kind of order of importance.)
You don't have to be right.
Being right means that someone is wrong. Sometimes we believe that our opinions are the right opinions. That we somehow have the market on being right. The Preacher and I have found that it's okay to disagree but not disagreeable. We must choose our battles. Sometimes the battle isn't worth the end result.
You never stop learning and you grow in seasons.
We have to remember that even though we have been in this work for a long time, we can't stop learning and growing. If you are willing, God will help you to find the things that you need just when you need them.
The Bible is more of a personal adventure, not just a historical adventure.
We both have read our Bibles many times, but we always find the new ways that God is using these scriptures to mold us. We may look at a book, a chapter, or a verse and think, I know that scripture or that story, but God opens our eyes to show us something new and fresh every time.
You have to get away. (If I was putting these in order of priority, this would be my number 1.)
The Preacher and I try to get out of town once a week. We minister in a small town and, unlike bigger cities, people know when you're home or in the office. It's a time to unwind, have the day all to ourselves. After a long week of ministering this is a must. We recommend this practice to all married couples, no matter what profession you are in. Take the time to connect and remember who the most important person is.
You have to see the community as your church.
The Preacher has always been community minded. It was a little harder to do this when we lived in a large city, but he has always wanted to be a part of the people in his town. Getting out and knowing the people, helping them, communicating with them, this is how they get to know you and in turn how they get to know your God. You don't know how many times people will call the Preacher in a time of need because they have seen and heard just how much he cares for people.
Don't be motivated by guilt.
"We love because He first loved us." Guilt may get you to do better things for awhile, but love makes you a better person.
Don't motivate others with guilt.
When we want something done and we can't get anyone to do it, we sometimes pull out the "guilt card", to try to get it done. Well, maybe that something isn't that important right now or maybe it's not what God wants done at this time. Love and a calling gets the best out of others. Communities of grace are healthy, joyful and creative places to be.
Don't use the word shame.
Conviction comes from the inside as the Spirit reveals better ways to life. Shame only leads to darkness and less life.
If there is no one to do it, it doesn't have to be done.
Have you ever had a person come to you and say, for example, "I think the church ought to host this program", or "I think we need to have a new children's class."? Sometimes when they say these sort of things they they want the Preacher to organize it and get it done. If it is important to God someone will step up and do it.
It's okay to be vulnerable.
Everyone thinks the Preacher and I are immune to all the things of the world. Well we're not, but we don't want to let people down. We're here telling you right now we're not perfect. There are days when we just have to let go and ask for prayers because things just get you down and the world closes in. It is refreshing to us when people understand we are vulnerable just like everyone else.
People can find God through different avenues.
Our paths to Jesus are very different. We have learned that there are a lot of people out there who love the Lord just as much as we do, but they are not of our denomination. We as Christians get bogged down with our "doctrines" and we forget to see people as Jesus sees them. Everyone is His child and He loves them all no matter what church they attend.
Find friends who make you feel like you are not working.
You would think this was easy, but it's not. I'm sure doctors, dentist, and other professional people get asked sometimes, outside of their office, if he or she could "take a look" to see if something was wrong. Sometimes it is a little that way in ministry. It's nice to have friends who understand you need that quiet evening just to laugh and enjoy good conversation. To those friends we are so grateful.
Well there they are, just a few of the things we think we have learned over the last 30 years. I'm sure there are a lot more but we felt like these 12 encompassed a lot of things. I think it's like the scripture where John says that Jesus did many other things but.... I'm sure you would like to hear more stories about Jesus, but if we were to tell you more you may just get bored.
Thanks for visiting and reading. Remember us in your prayers.
Love from the Preacher and I
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