by: Jim Schlottman
8/1/2005

As I looked at the magazine on the coffee table at my son’s home, two article titles on the cover of an issue of the Golf Digest caught my attention. One stated, “6 keys to winning your next match” and the other said, “87 ways to save your round.”

I thought as I looked at those titles how great it would be if they really worked. I’m a real duffer and if I thought that there were just six things I had to do to win a golf match, I’d subscribe to Golf Digest for 100 years. Even if it took 87 ways to save my game, it would be worth it, but sadly it just doesn’t work that way.

The same is true of ministry. I read book after book that has a list of things to do when a pastor faces issues in ministry. Not that these books are not helpful, but a list is not the answer. It is just not that simple.

So what does it take to walk successfully in ministry? Here are my 6 answers to how to have a successful ministry – No, I’m just kidding, I don’t have six answers, I don’t even have one. However, I have some notion of what might be important.

Each month I meet with five pastors from five different denominations. We discuss ministry in the context of our changing world. We have some great discussions. Now and then we even come up with lists. But what is most important, is our time together.

When I receive a call from a pastor in trouble or struggling with ministry or personal issues, most times they are walking alone through that trouble or struggle. Oh, they have a lot of friends, but no one with whom they can truly share their deepest wounds. And spouses have even fewer people with whom they can share.

God didn’t intend for us to walk through life’s difficult times alone. Right from the beginning, in Genesis – The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18a (NIV)

When you’re going through difficult times, so is your spouse, so you both need others to come alongside. When I went through my burnout, a counselor advised me to find mentors or coaches. It took some effort, but I was able to find two people who were willing to walk with me. I had to be bold and tell them I needed them. That’s not easy, particularly for me, but was very necessary and it’s very necessary for you too.

If you can’t find anyone, give me a call and let’s talk.

We need each other.