Reflections on 25 Years of Leadership

Eight years ago, I penned a blog titled “25 Years of Leadership Lessons,” marking the 25th anniversary of Mecklenburg Community Church—a place that has significantly impacted my life and ministry over the years. The main idea behind that post was straightforward.

Starting a church isn’t something everyone can do, nor can many lead one for as long as I have. This got me thinking… If I could go back to that young church planter from 1992, what wisdom would I share? Looking back, what commitment was truly worth it? In essence, what lessons from my 25 years of leadership would I pass on to my younger self?

Well, I’ve already transformed those thoughts into a book (titled What They Didn’t Teach You at Seminary). However, as we celebrate Mech’s 33rd anniversary, I feel these lessons still bear repeating.

1. Don’t overestimate what you can accomplish in a year, but don’t underestimate the impacts of a decade.
2. Put families before ministry. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
3. Trends will constantly shift. Keep your eyes on the mission—nothing else.
4. Aim for sustainable growth rather than chasing fleeting relocations. It’s all about the church.
5. People will leave, and yes, it’ll sting. It’s hard not to take it personally. But often, it’s more about them and their relationship with God.
6. No one ever regrets praying earnestly and deeply in seeking God’s purpose.
7. Delve into the Bible for all your answers; don’t just skim the surface.
8. Value loyalty just as much as talent.
9. You’ll not finish the way you started, but you’ll have new friends who help you along the way.
10. As a pastor, learn to celebrate with those who mourn, as well as those who rejoice.
11. Invest in your child’s ministry—you’ll find it’s one of your best decisions.
12. Raise your children to love Jesus and the church.
13. Hire from within your community. Seriously, repeat after me: “I will hire from within.”
14. Understand your audience and who you’ll draw in.
15. The key questions aren’t how to grow a church but what hinders its growth.
16. Your starting methods may not work long-term. Adapt; there’s no one-size-fits-all.
17. You won’t possess every spiritual gift. Don’t pretend you do, nor let others expect it.
18. Avoid letting ministry become a routine. Instead, engage your creativity.
19. Capital campaigns can significantly advance your mission.
20. Your main competition isn’t another church; it’s apathy towards church entirely.
21. Remember Matthew 18:15 as a cornerstone for your actions.
22. Your core values are worth fighting for.
23. If left unchecked, churches often look inward, age, and become irrelevant. Lead with intention to combat that.
24. Keep your vision fresh. Keep sharing it.
25. Know this: God loves you more than you can comprehend and remains more faithful than you might deserve. It’s worth reflecting on.

That was a strong list back then. Now, celebrating our 33rd anniversary, I’ve grown into a more seasoned perspective at 63 years old.

1. Be intentional about finishing well.
2. Take the time to celebrate milestones.
3. Remember, it’s not your church—it’s God’s church, always.
4. Consider the future leader who will take your place.
5. The lost are important to God, and they should always remain important to you.