Longevity—An Overlooked Leadership Principle

There was a time when the local preacher was known as "the parson." His home, owned by the church, was called a parsonage. Parson is simply an adaptation of the word for "person." The preacher was considered "the person" of the community, an influential leader whose opinion mattered.

How times have changed! Today in the minds of many, the most influential persons are not ministers but economists, professors, politicians, sports figures, entertainers, and members of the media. In some communities, however, church leaders still exert significant influence because of their years of service. They may not own the loudest voice, but they have earned the right to be heard.

Over an extended period of time they have taught God's Word, visited the sick, counseled the depressed, and comforted the grief-stricken. They have rejoiced in others' victories and joined in their grief. They have presided at baptisms, weddings, funerals, holidays, prayer services, and other significant events. They have been unrealistically idolized by some, unfairly criticized by others, and taken for granted by many. They have fought through their own seasons of discouragement, disappointment, and doubt. They have seen former skeptics come to faith, and they have watched sadly when despite the church's best efforts, once-strong believers drifted away from the flock.

They can name the best and worst teachers in the local schools, and they can tell you who starred on the high school basketball team that won the state championship 10 years ago. They know a lot of people, and quite a few neighborhood pets. They know the menus of local restaurants, and a lot of secrets friends have confided to them. In their community at least, they know how to get things done. Their deep investments in others' lives carry a lot of weight.

A key principle of church health (though often overlooked) is longevity in leadership. It takes time to develop trust and build strong, spiritually significant relationships. The strongest churches are built not in a day but over long periods of time by faithful leaders who invest themselves deeply in their communities—who pay the price and reap the benefits of a long-term ministry.

Of course, there are times when a short-term ministry is exactly what's needed. But whenever possible, ministers need to accept a church's call with the long view in mind. Stick around. Put down roots. Persevere. Weather the inevitable storms. Don't constantly look for greener pastures. Paul had many words of advice for Timothy, his young protégé in ministry, but one of his most challenging exhortations to the young evangelist was simply this: "Stay there in Ephesus" (1 Timothy 1:3). Before prematurely throwing in the towel, many ministers struggling with discouragement need to hear those words: "Stay there!"

Likewise, churches need to do whatever they can to encourage productive long-term ministries. Don't drive away capable leaders. Don't take them for granted. Don't undermine their credibility with petty criticism. Pay them a fair wage. Pray for them. Encourage them to stay fresh—to keep growing and developing their leadership skills. Surround their families with love and encouragement. Be patient with them. Set visionary goals you can pursue together over the long haul. You can't accomplish all your dreams in a year, but you'll be amazed what you can accomplish in 10 years.

You may not call your preacher "the parson," but be sure you treat him like a person. And be sure to "persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Hebrews 10:36).