5 Things I’ve Learned As A Young Pastor
I have been serving as a licensed local pastor of a three-point charge in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church for two years now. I am 24 years old, and I realize that I have much to learn, but over this period of time I have also learned a lot. Before I started working in this current position, I had little to no experience of what it takes to be a United Methodist pastor, and I want to share a few insights about some things I have learned. I realize that these 5 things seem simple, but I believe that they are extremely necessary.
1. The Importance of Reading
This seems simple enough. Reading is important no matter what stage of life you are in. Nonetheless, I would like to point out a few things. As a current student at Asbury Theological Seminary, I am required to read an abundance of material. This has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding on a number of theological topics. As you may imagine, this material is biblically based and theologically driven. Theology is genre of reading, but I also think it is important to read a variety of material. I have found it helpful to read fiction, non-fiction, biographies, comedies, crime, drama, etc. Make use of audiobook and e-books as well. If you are a young pastor, now is the time to learn as much as you can through reading as many books as you can!
2. Make Use of Online Sermons
One difficult thing about my current situation is that I have an eight-hour commute to and from seminary each week. Although this takes up a lot of my time, it has actually turned out to be a good thing. This time driving in the car has allowed me to listen to a number of different preachers online. Podcasts allow me to listen to different preachers, and this has influenced my own preaching. I encourage any pastor, especially young ones, to listen to different preachers and different styles of preaching. This will allow you to broaden your spectrum and understanding of preaching. It will hopefully challenge you to be a better preacher.
3. Search for Good Mentors
Key word here being “Good.” As a young pastor, I am in the unique situation of older pastors offering me advice. This can be a good or bad thing. Some advice can be helpful, and some advice may not be as helpful. In any situation, I try to realize that older pastors have more experience than I do. There is something to be learned from all of them. I challenge other young pastors to listen to other pastors. Learn from their experiences. It is important, however, to have one or two pastors that you can really open up to and trust. There are two pastors in my life who I seek advice from and spend time with each week. This allows me to have someone that I can get solid advice from.
4. Challenge Yourself and Rely on God
It is easy to get discouraged as a young pastor because you do not have much confidence or experience. It is important to put your trust in God. It has taken me a while to realize that Sunday morning worship isn’t about me, but it is all about God. So many times I have showed up on Sunday morning trying to make an impact through my own will and power. The truth is only God has the power to move work in the church. God is the object of our worship. As the Psalmist states, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth” (Psalm 115:1). Give it all to God. I can recall one Sunday when I preached the worst sermon I have ever preached… or so I thought. After the service a woman came up to me and told me that my sermon had really spoken to her, and she felt like she needed to give her life over to Jesus. So, I prayed with her and led her to Christ. How amazing that God can use even my worst sermon to speak to someone! God is the one who is in control. It is evident that God is in charge of what goes on in the church, but that does not excuse the pastor from responsibility.
5. Young Pastors Can Still Make a Difference
It can be easy to feel inadequate as a young pastor. If you are anything like me, you may be serving in a church where the majority of people are twice your age. They may see you as a kid, and that’s okay. You can still make a difference. Why? Because for some reason Christ has called you to serve. There is no age limit on who can serve God. As the Apostle Paul states, “Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Christ is calling us (yes, even young pastors) to be an example for Him. Don’t downplay your role in the kingdom.
