How can I FINISH WELL? That was the beginning point of thinking about this set of articles.
Right at 800 words - <4 minutes for most readers.
A pastor between 45 and 55 years old asks me this question four times a year. (Different pastors, same question asked multiple ways)
They know I specialize in Senior Pastor Smart Succession ™ and have helped over 70 pastors to “finish well” in their ministry. What are some of the common factors? How can I apply them to my own life and ministry?
In part 1, we covered in our acrostic sayings:
F - Finances
I – Intentional Succession Planning
N – Nuture Key Relationships
I – Invest in an Outside Network
Go back and read that first part as we move to part 2.
S - Seek Wise Counsel
Isolation permanently destroys pastors. It becomes easy to live within our heads and believe our own counsel absent good feedback and conversation.
Wise leaders look for trusted advisors within their church and outside their congregation.
Some of these will give counsel about tactics and methods within your church.
But at this phase of life, seek good counsel for guidance to your future life and ministry, including your “freedom to serve” years.
These can include peers, elders, mentors, and even family members who know you well.
The issue is not just a succession plan, but plans for your future life.
Often, at this stage of life, networks can be enlarged and deepened as many of the child-raising stages are ending. Take the time to reconnect with old hometown and school friends and extended networks in your denomination or tribe or find new connections with outside advisors to help you think productively about that next season. There is no rush, so take the time to gather your intelligence and sort through it.
H - Health and Holistic Well-being
I realize that the past seasons have typically been a blur of church work, family commitments, staff decisions, board guidance, and often outside and extended service to other organizations.
Don’t forget to focus on your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Ministry is demanding, and you must be intentional about rest, self-care, and personal spiritual development.
Take time for sabbaticals, regular vacations, and other forms of rest to avoid burnout and finish well.
Keep or start your annual physical checkups. Do what the doctor suggests.
Lets move on to WELL.
W - Walk Closely with God
Of course I should start with this one, but to fit the acrostic, give me some grace.
To finish well, pastors must prioritize their spiritual health and relationship with God. This involves regular times of prayer, Scripture study, and spiritual reflection. Pastors can draw strength, wisdom, and guidance for their ministry by walking closely with God. Additionally, cultivating accountability relationships and maintaining humility are essential, as they remind pastors of their ongoing need for God's grace.
Many in this season begin regular private retreats or small group sessions to give intense focus on their relationship with God and find it a time of refreshing sustenance.
E - Establish Healthy Priorities
We all have to line up our priorities every week. But also list them out for a season.
Then, evaluate them regularly. Perhaps on that retreat, I mentioned in the idea above.
These include setting appropriate boundaries to keep you focused on your priorities. In this season in larger churches, a great assistant can also help guard your time and priorities well.
Enlist your spouse and other colleagues as well.
L - Learn Continuously
Most pastors love to learn and study. Don’t give up now.
Finishing well involves a commitment to continual growth and learning. Pastors should remain teachable, actively seeking out mentors and educational opportunities that sharpen their skills and deepen their knowledge. This dedication to lifelong learning not only enhances their effectiveness but also helps them stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
L - Live Out the Gospel
Finally, finishing well requires keeping the focus on Christ and the gospel.
Pastors must guard against the temptations of pride, people-pleasing, or chasing worldly measures of success.
The ultimate goal is faithfulness to God's calling rather than building personal kingdoms. By living out the gospel in their own lives and ministries, pastors can inspire others to do the same.
Some choose to retire early but stay in their roles. This doesn’t serve the LORD, the church, or their own lives.
Be intentional and persevere throughout your whole race.
Finishing well means concluding one's ministry with integrity, faithfulness, and spiritual vitality.
When you do that, you will be faithful to God’s call on your life and show “well done good and faithful servant.”
More FREE STUFF from me
33 Basic Statements on Senior Pastor Succession – free booklet for US mailing addresses. Request here.
Next Sunday Podcast – Featuring Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer from Generis.
Emergency Succession Plan Template Request - every pastor and church needs one. Just email me for a free template you can use. Dave.Travis@Generis.com
New Free Succession Roadmap Consultation - a one-hour overview to help teams think productively about the future. Could you email me to set up a time?