Stay
May 1, 2012
New England has a reputation as a difficult place to do ministry. One pastor from Massachusetts called it a “cold” region for gospel ministry.
But almost everyone senses that a “quiet revival” is underway. No, it’s not like the South where megachurches sprout up like dandelions in the spring. But churches are growing in the Northeast as people are being reached for Christ.
One New England veteran of 50 years in the ministry told me that part of it is simply staying long enough to make a difference.
“These young guys come and want to shake up the world in 3 years. Not going to happen.” Then he named a certain small town in Maine. “They should go there and plant a church. It will be hell.” That’s the exact word he used. “They will learn what hell is like. People won’t be glad they came. They will face enormous opposition.”
“If the pastor stays for 10 years, he’ll probably have 80 people. But if he stays for 40 years, he’ll have 500 people.”
“If he makes it his life work, he can see God do amazing things.”
The words of Josh Billings come to mind:
“Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.”