I Love Preachers.
Everywhere I travel, I find ministers who are troubled, angry, sad and disappointed with their own progress in their ministry. Unreasonable goals, the trap of comparison with other ministries, mental exhaustion from trying to understand damaged congregations has often left us disillusioned about our own success for God. Yes, we are masters at disguising our disappointments, justifying unreached goals, and yet finding it impossible to get away from the ever present flame of hope within us…that God’s potential could be unleashed at any time. I was born into the ministry. My father pastored for fifty-seven years.
We had two family altars each day—morning and night. My mother insisted on the memorization of a Scripture every day of my life. I preached my first sermon at the age of 8 in Waco, Texas, under my father’s ministry. Later, at the age of nine, he permitted me to speak with him at various tent crusades. At the age of 15, friends of my father opened their doors for ministry to their congregations and youth groups. I attended Bible college for three semesters, then on February 9, 1966, I began my first evangelistic crusade as a young evangelist. That was over 40 years ago. After 39 countries and over 15,000 audiences, many Keys, Laws and Wisdom Principles have become evident. Sitting at the supper table with the most Uncommon Ministers of my generation has unlocked many secrets—secrets that created “The Uncommon Minister.” Preachers are not alike. Ministers are as different from each other as lawyers, fathers and salesmen.
Personalities differ. Goals are different. Their training is different. Their knowledge levels are different. Their pain is even different. Doctors often cooperate for a mutual cause. Lawyers often cooperate for a single benefit.
Farmers will link tractors to send a message to America. Yet, ministers rarely cooperate together for a common cause. Doctors are thrilled over the discoveries of another doctor. Actors will even hold annual celebration events to express recognition of the uniqueness of each. Meanwhile, ministers of the Gospel often challenge, argue, stain and even publicly sneer at the discoveries, revelations or goals of another. Still, the Heavenly Father Who has called us, anointed us and empowered us to heal our broken generation insists we “love one another.” Jesus said it clearly. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another,” (John 13:34-35).
Anything You Do Not Have Is Stored In Someone Near You, And Love Is The Secret Map To The Treasure. Your ministry can become satisfying to you. Your ministry can multiply in its effectiveness. Your ministry can become a healing power. Your ministry can become greater than ever. Your ministry can increase in joy. The Key? The Wisdom of God. That is why I wrote this book [The Uncommon Minister].