How to survive and thrive through decades of ministry
“I do what God asks me to do,” says Dave Reimer, pastor of Grace Community Church, Newton, Kansas, “and he gives me the grace to do it.” Such is Dave’s humble explanation for the ability to survive and thrive through nearly 30 years of ministry at this one-time FEC church plant. A self-described accidental church planter, Dave is the first to admit that God’s grace has come in many different forms throughout the years. Here, he shares tips for young pastors and church planters on how to stay the course through a lifetime of ministry.
- Discern and accept your calling. “God’s calling requires faithfulness. You stick it out,” says Dave, “because that’s what you’re called to do.”
- Maintain a personal relationship with God. “Everybody in ministry has to live in God’s word daily,” says Dave, “but sometimes we miss that.”
- Don’t believe your own press clippings. “Ministry waves come and go. Prepare yourself for the trough and don’t be surprised when you’re in the bottom of it,” he says.
- Find mentors, especially those who understand ministry in the community. “You can’t fight this battle alone,” says Dave.
- Disengage when necessary. “We’ve always maintained regular vacations as a family,” says Dave. “It helps keep the emotional pressure of ministry from building to the point of bailout.”
Overall, Dave credits God with his longevity. “My temperament keeps me from getting too stressed when things have been challenging,” he says. “I’m also not too wrapped up in a sense of accomplishment, because I know it’s not me.”
