How to Follow a Long Term Preacher

I’ve had guys who have been at a place for a long time ask me, “How can I make it easier for the next guy?” I always quickly respond: “Mess up really bad.”

They call them “sacrificial lambs,” “unintentional interims,” and “inbetweeners.” The guy who follows the guy. Some believe it is an impossible task. At Hamilton, I followed a hero who had been there for 18 years and then at Granny White I followed on the heels of a man who served there faithfully for about 50 years. I was blessed to follow two men who made an impact! I made a lot of mistakes, I learned a lot of things. Remembering that it is highly documented that more long-term ministries tend to be more effective, here are 7 lessons I learned from following a long-term minister.

- Always remember he was human: If you can’t keep from talking bad about the previous guy it is both a matter of ego and of sin. That guy left, you are there. Let it be.

- You will hear about all the mistakes he made from people who never liked him in the first place. A wise friend said to me years ago: “for the most part those who loved W.T. and encouraged him will love you and encourage you, don’t be drawn into those who come to you to just be critical, they will turn on you.” And, for the most part, he was spot on!

- If you cannot live every day hearing about what “he” did and hearing “his” name then do not take the job. When you’ve been there 10 years, it still will be only a drop in the bucket to how long he was there. This is not about him versus you. It is about the Work of the Lord. Keep your focus.

- Understand that he will be called to do the funeral, you may be asked to lead a prayer. Make it a good time to brush up on your praying. Make those prayers rich and meaningful and full of comfort and passion. When he is called be gracious. Don’t quit too quickly.

- Learn what he did well: Even if it ended poorly, that is what they will miss. Work on doing well in those areas. If you turn negative it will affect every part of your ministry.

- Remember the level of investment he put into that Family and be thankful for it. “Love rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Ministerial effectiveness is not really measured by weeks, and month, and years, but by investments into the lives of those Christians at significant and insignificant moments of their lives.

- If you are smart you will consult him at times. He has some history that you do not. He knows what has worked and has not. He knows where the stones are! The longer he was there the more ingrained in the congregation and it's life he will be.

Perhaps most important remember: Love the people and do the work. He is not the standard, nor are you. Jesus is the standard. Do the work of ministry, steadfastly, with dedication, with faith and faithfulness - you will be loved!