4 Habits That Lead To Longevity In Ministry

Have you ever wondered why some church leaders have longevity in ministry, while others continually drop out after only a few years?

What secrets have the first group found that the second hasn’t?

Does it have to do with:

How hard they work …?
Their personality types …?
What size church they’re at …?
How many staff and/or volunteers they have?

Of course, all these play a part, but I believe there is something else.

A “secret sauce”, if you will, that the first group has found.

I believe this “secret sauce” is in the habits these leaders include in their day-to-day lives.

So, here are 4 habits church leaders have discovered that leads to longevity in ministry:

1. They Spend Consistent Time With God … Apart From Ministry

These leaders have developed the habit of “personal time” with God.

(That’s worth repeating: “Personal Time” with God.)

This time isn’t primarily scheduled for sermon prep, praying for others in the church, or getting the next big vision from God.

It is a time just between them and their creator, and they know it’s the most important appointment of their day.

They have learned their ministry has to be an overflow of their relationship with God and not the other way around.

2. They Take A Day Off … To Disconnect From Ministry

These church leaders have found they are not above needing a day of rest.

They’ve learned ministry is a marathon, not a sprint; so they guard their day off with veracity.

This day, for them, is focused on disconnecting from ministry and all that comes with it.

Taking full advantage of this; they are refreshed, recharged, and ready for the week ahead.

3. They Often Say No … So They Can Say Yes To What’s Most Important

These leaders have found that saying yes to everything cripples their effectiveness in what God has called them to do.

They often find themselves saying no to requests that don’t line up with their strengths, time commitments, and focus.

Saying no often gives them the freedom to dig deep within their calling, and often helps them become a leading voice in that field.

4. They Have Someone To Talk To … Outside Of Their Church

These church leaders have developed outlets to talk through situations they face.

They’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that no church leader can afford to be an island unto themselves.

So they find someone they can be vulnerable with, and contact them often.

This could be a friend, counselor, or mentor.

Call to Action:

After being in full-time ministry for almost 20 years, I believe longevity is something every church leader is just a few habits away from making happen.

So let’s begin by picking one of the habits listed above, and start adopting it today!

What Do You Think:

What about you?

Do you have another tip I didn’t mention?

Feel free to share in the comments section below!