10 Things I've Learned From 10 Years In Ministry - Part 1


A few weeks ago, I celebrated 10 years of student ministry at my current Church. Spending 10 years in one spot brings a certain perspective to life and ministry. Over the next few days, I want to share 10 lessons I've learned.

If I could go back to my younger self, 10 years ago, here are some of the things I would tell myself:

1. Remember that relationships trump everything

   You know what students remember? Not your sermon. Not your cool illustration. Not the nights you got the lights or the music just right. They remember when you were present. They remember when you showed up. They remember when you have fun with them. Above all else, build relationships.

A few of my leaders (Who were middle school students when I began 10 years ago) put together a short video for me to celebrate 10 years. You know what they talked about most? I wish I could say it was my sermon or that really spiritual moment that one time, but they didn't talk much about those moments. They talked more about the time I took them to Moe's or the time we were awarded a Bible Quiz trophy on accident. Relationships trump everything.

 The older I get, the more I am convinced that solid relationships are the secret sauce that make everything else work. 

 What are you doing this week to build solid relationships with the people you minister to?

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