Buckle Up, Young Minister: Hilarious Advice for Ministers to Walk a Humble Path

I recently spoke at the Spill the Beans Women’s Conference and had the pleasure of meeting many remarkable women. But amidst all the awe-inspiring encounters, I had a reunion with some ladies from my early ministry days. Let me tell you; it was a hilarious blast from the past! During our conversation, the Holy Spirit prompted me to apologize to them for any time I inadvertently hurt their feelings during my early years in ministry. Sincerely apologizing is an act of humility that encourages introspection and highlights the significance of acknowledging past mistakes and personal growth.

The Bible says, “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor be hasty and miss the way” (Proverbs 19:2, NIV)

Buckle up, young minister! Here’s a list of advice I wish I’d taken more seriously as a novice minister. And hey, even the seasoned veterans of the pulpit could use a little refresher.

1. Don’t Rush the process.

Imagine me, twenty-one years old, a fresh-faced certified pastor, thinking I could conquer the world in a single sermon. Oh boy, was I wrong! Ministry is no fast-food drive-thru; it’s more like a slow-cooked, gourmet meal. I had to learn that the hard way – savoring each moment, marinading in experience, and seasoning it all with a good dose of patience. I had to learn the power of “Jehovah-in-the-Nic-of-Time“! God shows up when He wants to; my job is to remember that God’s timing is perfect.  Speaking of time, build a strong foundation, develop your skills, and understand the needs of the people you serve. Young ministers refrain from seeking immediate recognition or success. (This was one of my biggest mistakes)! Instead, focus on learning, gaining experience, and cultivating wisdom. Embrace each phase of your ministry as an opportunity for development, and don’t be disheartened by challenges or setbacks.

2. Raise your faith in God but lower your expectations of others.

Oh, you’ve got faith in God? That’s terrific! But, friend, it would be best if you lowered those expectations of others. Instead of being discouraged by human flaws, focus on extending grace, understanding, and support to others while keeping God at the center of your ministry. Maintain a high expectation for God’s work, but remain understanding and compassionate towards people’s imperfections, including your own. Do you know those lightning-fast Amazon Prime deliveries? Yeah, well, people aren’t always that speedy, my friend. It’s like waiting for that one family member who’s perpetually late to Thanksgiving dinner – they’ll show up eventually, but you better pack some snacks in your purse. And in full disclosure, I am always late to Thanksgiving dinner-sorry Mom. God’s timing is perfect, so trust in God’s guidance in people’s lives. 

3. Don’t minister from an empty cup.

Let me tell you a secret – you can’t pour coffee without beans. Trust me; I’ve tried, and it’s just a mess. And speaking of messes, ministry burnout is no joke! You have to take care of yourself, my fellow ministers. No more running on empty; it’s time to fill your cup with good old-fashioned self-care. After all, you can’t give what you don’t have, and believe me, and nobody wants a grumpy, burnt-out pastor. As a young minister, prioritize your well-being by nurturing your spiritual life, mental health, and physical needs. Develop healthy habits, seek support from mentors or counselors, and set boundaries to prevent burnout (See “Feeling Burnt Out?”). And please get into the Word of God and not only for a sermon but for your daily bread. Caring for yourself is not selfish but essential for sustaining long-term ministry impact. We cannot give what we do not have! It is only when your cup is filled that you can effectively pour into the lives of others. 

4. Be HUMBLE.

Here’s a word of wisdom: nobody likes a ministry diva or a superstar pastor. We’re not here to audition for Hollywood! So, ditch the humble bragging and embrace genuine humility Stop being “proud to be humble,” accept compliments with gratitude, and own up to accomplishments without theatrics. Do your best to avoid seeking validation or recognition from people.  A humble minister gains the respect and trust of their congregation and peers. Humility allows you to learn from others, accept feedback, and grow without being defensive. (Receiving feedback without being defensive took me years to learn). Emulate the humility of Christ, who washed His disciples’ feet, including Judas. Let humility guide your interactions and decisions in ministry.

5. Prioritize your spouse and children.

Amidst all the holy hustle and bustle, remember your family! Your spouse and kids need some lovin’ too. You see, ministry can be all-consuming, like juggling a circus full of tasks. But take it from me; making time for date nights and family vacations is essential. Even the Hesters are finally going on their first cruise – hallelujah! Remember, your family is your primary ministry, so cherish those moments and create hilarious core memories together. 

In conclusion, these pieces of sage advice are valuable not only for rookie ministers but also for veteran ones. Avoid my early ministry mishaps, trust in God’s perfect timing, and don’t forget to laugh at yourself along the way. Embrace humility with a hearty dose of humor, and you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling and impactful ministry. Remember the wisdom from Proverbs 19:2 and seek to grow in knowledge, faith, and grace throughout your journey in ministry. Also, remember to laugh at yourself! You are still a work in progress!

If you found this blog helpful, please leave a comment letting me know your favorite advice! Don’t forget to like and subscribe on this page to stay updated when more blogs are released.