A focused life becomes a driving force.
Let's close this series of articles by talking about the last phase of the minister's life and career - the Latter Ministry Phase. Surprisingly, not very many ministers will reach this phase successfully. According to Dr. J. Robert Clinton, only about 3 out of 10 will finish well. (FYI, he has studied, researched and documented the lives of more than 1400 leaders - both biblical, historical and contemporary leaders substantuating his statements.)
The latter ministry phase usually begins somewhere around the age of 50. By this time the minister has a well established spiritual foundation - his ministerial skills have been keenly honed and sharpened. He or she is a well oiled machine, ready to produce. At this point another strange thing begins to happen - God begins to place in the heart of the minister a sincere desire to leave a lasting legacy.
A focused life becomes the driving force. His life and ministry takes on a strategic nature, endeavoring to find the right ministry setting, the best environment, proper locale - things of this nature. His giftedness is well established and is usually in full bloom, ready to produce its best fruit.
This is not to say the minister was out of the will of God up to this point - its just that he spent many years discovering and chasing his destiny. At this stage, he doesn’t want to waste the pain and effort it took to get to this place. He's desperate to make a mark that will be remembered.
Questions asked at this juncture might be; "Am I really in the right place, should I be pastoring here? Should I be an author, an educator, a teacher ?", etc. Most of the questions are dealing with the “being” issues. By this time, the minister/leader has moved past “doing” as the basis of ministry. He fully understands that ministry flows out of who he is, not what he does.
If he is spiritually healthy and alert, this can be his or her most productive years of ministry. This phase can last 20 years plus, depending on how focused the minister stays. Nevertheless, there are a few inherent dangers that loom during the latter ministry years. Here are just a few:
1. The minister becomes sidetracked.
At this stage of ministry the minister must learn to say no to good things so he or she can stay focused on that which is best. Many a minister gets sidetracked with things that are legitimate, but not expedient for ministry.
2. Abuse of spiritual authority.
Often, because of years of success, the minister can presume upon his or her authority with others. This is a serious mistake. (See Philemon 8-9) Spiritual authority is never assumed upon. It comes with a price and is always earned.
3. The minister plateau's.
Are you plateaued? Or are you still growing and receiving new things from God? In the medical field, flat-lining can be fatal - so in ministry too. Keep growing, keep reading, stay in accountability to someone. Don't plateau.
4. Ministry becomes routine.
By this time, one usually has the "ropes of ministry" well learned. He or she can move a crowd, give an altar call, preach at the drop of a hat and manipulate things or people if needed. This is when ministry becomes routine and often lethal. Whatever it costs - stay sincere.
Conclusion
The Danger Zones abound, don't think you're immune from them. Brace yourself and stay alert. No wonder Peter admonished us to "Be sober, be alert..." Don't forget, you can make it.
Go ahead...Survive the Danger Zones!
Coach John
Works Cited: Dr. J. Robert Clinton, Making of a Leader
