You cannot be a recluse and be effective as a pastor. If you are called to a shepherding role of ministry, you must be actively engaged in healthy relationship building you want to be eternally effective. Ministry, and life for that matter, is all about relationships.

Our recent Journeys of Paul tour was full of highlights for me. But perhaps the most impactful locations we visited were on the island of Crete, where Paul left Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city” (Titus 1:5).

These are affectionate words—little children. I know we like to think we are all “grown up” but sometimes we need to be reminded that God sees us as His children—precious and loved by Him. However, our position as God’s children doesn’t give us permission to remain immature in the faith.

I remember the days before there was GPS. I would order road maps from AAA, or purchase a Thompson Map. I would study the map to get a clear idea of how to reach my destination. In every situation, the road map got me to where I needed to be.

We know that God’s Word is profitable in every area of life and ministry (2 Timothy 3:16). But how often do we purposefully give it entrance into our lives?

In writing to one of his converts, Gaius, John commended him for many things. First, John was pleased that Gaius knew the truth. If we are to be true to God, we must know the truth. In our day with so many tools available to us, there is no reason for any Christian in America to be ignorant of the Word of God. It is vital for our spiritual growth that we read, study, memorize, and meditate on the Bible.

Sometimes, given the overwhelming nature of ministry, we tend to default to one of two extremes: giving up or pushing forward in our own strength.

Sometimes courage doesn’t roar. Sometimes courage is trying again when you don’t feel you have it in you to go on. Sometimes it is pressing forward when lack of visible progress dampens your resolve.

Over the years, it has been my great privilege to spend time with older preachers. From them I have learned many valuable lessons: lessons which I put into practice daily in my ministry.