My folks are coming into town tomorrow for Libby’s second of three baby showers. The older I get the more I appreciate my parents. They have been knocking it out in ministry for nearly 30 years…30 YEARS. Download that. Ministry is tough…most people don’t make it past 3 years!! Libby and I have been at this thing for 5 years.
What does it take to do ministry for 30 years? From what I have observed through the lives of my parents over the years I would throw out these factors…
- A Marriage that is Honoring to each other and to God…not a perfect marriage but a committed marriage.
- An unwavering passion for people who don’t know Jesus
- Sacrifice…sometimes financially, other times emotionally,and unfortunately a lot of times relationally
- No Quit Spirit…whatever happens you know your calling and you stick with the God who began a good work in you.
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July 19, 2008 at 6:43 am
Pam B
My parents have been in ministry for almost that long too. The observations you name sound familiar! Finding how to keep it all in balance is the challenge.
When my father and mother decided to sell everything and move north so they could go to bible school, that started a profound ripple effect on our entire family. It was a journey that led him to be ordained, brought them to almost every continent in our planet, and all of my brother and sisters became dedicated Christ followers. They are the Word in action.
My direction in life was changed, and probably continues to change, because of them. Their commitment to each other and to God, their care for the lost, their dedication to service, and their love for the family of God is an amazing example to anyone who knows them.
So looking at their lives makes me think that doing what it takes is worth it. After all, our lives are not our own. We are not full timers, but are also trying our best to offer what it takes to Him. I pray that God will use our lives to make some profound ripple effects out there too.