Forty-three years ago last month, I began full-time ministry. Looking back, I realize now how many misperceptions I had about ministry then. Here are some of them—without much elaboration, since they’re usually self-explanatory:
- Everyone will listen to me when I preach. I know better now. For various reasons, some folks don’t listen.
- I can win over anybody in my church. Not always the case.
- My evangelistic zeal will never wane. It can, and it sometimes does even for the most evangelistic pastors.
- All church members will love their pastor well. Most will, but it’s unlikely everybody will.
- Church leaders will not be competitive or jealous. Not always so. Sometimes leaders compete against or envy another leader.
- Everybody in America knows the gospel. Some still need to hear. And, even those who may have heard it don’t always understand it.
- The louder you preach, the better. Not the case. Volume does not equal preaching ability.
- Every church member is a Christian. Not always. Even among Jesus’ 12 apostles was one fake (Judas).
- Nobody whose wedding I officiate will ever divorce. It didn’t take long to learn otherwise.
- Ministry is easy. It can be really hard. Wearying, in fact.
- Pastors never struggle with prayer. Many of us do, I’m afraid.
- The bigger the church, the better. Larger is not always better.
- Church people are always forgiving. Actually, some hold grudges for a long time.
- Evangelism comes naturally to pastors. For some, “yes”; for many others, “no.”
- Ministry is just about preaching. Not so. Sometimes, in fact, it’s tough to find time to prepare sermons because there are so many other things to do.
