Learning from the Biggest Ministry Mistakes

Wouldn't it be great to go throughout your whole ministry and make all the right decisions? Of course, you're going to have some missteps in ministry, but that doesn't mean you can't minimize them by learning from other seasoned leaders. In these eight articles from Leadership Journal, church leaders share their testimonies of lessons learned. From being so focused on the job that it led to a crumbling marriage, to unrealistic money expectations, to forgetting about the people, you'll be able to take these unhealthy experiences and make your ministry healthy for the long haul. Table of Contents: Misguided Coping Mechanisms Pete and Geri Scazzero had to get past emotional immaturity before their crumbling marriage and ministry got back on track. A Leadership Interview Unrealistic Money Expectations Sure, God will provide, but what about the congregation? George R. Cannon Jr. No Time for Pastorable Moments Is your work less satisfying because your schedule takes precedence over God's promptings? Gordon MacDonald Presumption at Circle Church As his dreams crumbled, he questioned God, himself, and his calling. What was God teaching him? David Mains with Philip Yancey Losing Touch with Real People If you want to reach the crew, get into the pit. Gordon MacDonald The Day I Forgot the Wedding! My biggest leadership mistake, and what I learned from it. Robert Russell Changing the Team to Fit the Game If your leadership team stops responding to your coaching, maybe you're in a whole new game. Larry Osborne Being Too Transparent Three views on preaching about sin--your own. Larry Osborne