It's hard to believe I started ministry before smartphones were invented, when Facebook was still a dorm room experiment, and the Red Sox had not yet broken the Curse of the Bambino. One thing that hasn't changed in the twenty years of ministry is that people still struggle to read their emails—though the reasons have evolved.
Twenty years in ministry might seem like a long time, but I know many others who have been in the trenches of parish ministry for even longer. Still, it’s worthwhile to take a moment to reflect on these past two decades. I've learned a lot, but if some key truths have helped me sustain this work I love, they are these:
LEADERSHIP IS A STEWARDSHIP
I often refer to the ministry I run as *my ministry*, but over the years, I've learned I'm not the owner—I'm simply a steward. This means I'm responsible for nurturing and caring for it so that when the next person steps in, they are set up for success.
Being a steward reminds us that ministry is a shared burden. We need to delegate tasks, equip the faithful, and mentor others to take the reins. Without a stewardship mentality, we risk putting ourselves at the center instead of God.
PERSONAL GROWTH IS IMPORTANT AND EASILY OVERLOOKED
I can't expect to accompany and empower others in their journey if I'm not growing in my own faith and leadership. Leading on empty makes burnout more likely, and it can jade the experiences of those around us. As leaders, we must prioritize our spiritual, human, intellectual, and pastoral growth—even above some of our daily tasks.
The problem is that we often get caught up in the busyness of our jobs. Checking emails, scrolling social media, and constantly responding to demands can sidetrack us from taking care of ourselves. Instead of squeezing in time to read a book, attend a workshop, or meet with a spiritual director, we should prioritize these activities. After all, to grow disciples, we have to grow as disciples, too.
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW AS MUCH AS HOW WELL YOU KNOW THEM
Relationships are crucial to ministry because sharing truth with people who don't know you is much harder. As ministry leaders, we must cultivate trust by actively listening and asking questions so the other person feels heard. When someone feels they belong and are loved, they are more likely to trust you, which opens the door to embracing God's love for them.
What we teach and share with others does matter, but if they don't trust us, the message will never fully resonate. To strengthen your relationships with coworkers, volunteers, and the rest of the faithful, set aside time to get to know them, share life with them, and learn their stories. When someone knows you care, they'll care about what you know.
As another year begins, I'm excited to see what God has in store. Over the years, there has been plenty of humility, love, and joy. While I've learned so much, the journey is far from over. I want to thank all of you who have read this blog over the years and been a part of this journey. Thank you.