What I’d Do Again

Billy Graham got me thinking about what I’d do differently if I could turn back the clock 20 years. I do have regrets, but there are some things I’d do again if I had the chance.

I’d learn from others again. I’ve been privileged to learn from some amazing pastors. I knew that I needed good role models, so I purposely looked for opportunities to intern under pastors I respected. This was one of the smartest things I did.

I’d build a strong network again. I’ll never forget a meeting that went off the rails when I was a young pastor. I needed pastor friends then, and I had them. I’ve been intentional about building relationships with other pastors, and this has enriched my life and ministry deeply.

I’d take the long view again. In many ways, ministry isn’t measured in months or even years. Taking the long view has helped me weather some situations that looked pretty bleak in the short term.

I’d make midcourse corrections. I can look back and see a couple of major midcourse corrections that I made in the course of my ministry. Of course, I’d prefer to have been heading in the right direction in the first place, but I’m glad that God graciously allowed me to repent and to grow. One course correction involved preaching; the other involved a shift toward gospel-centered ministry.

Tomorrow I’ll post on a few lessons I’m learning right now. I’m interested in hearing what you would do again in your ministry if you could turn back the clock and do it all over again.