Lessons from a Long Term Pastorate

As Chuck Swindoll departed from Evangelical Free Church, Fullerton to become the President of Dallas Theological Seminary, he shared the following reflections with his congregation in a letter:

While going through the final month of pastoral ministry in Fullerton, I decided to include in my journal several of the things I had learned since coming to the church back in the summer of 1971. It occurred to me that you might benefit from knowing what those things are. . .so let me list them for you. I have learned that. . .

• I should tell people how I feel about them now, not later.
• things I'm not even aware of are noticed and remembered.
• being real is a lot better than looking pious.
• when you "fit" most things flow; they don't need to be forced.
• it doesn't pay to talk someone into or out of a big decision.
• days of maintenance are far more in number than days of magnificance.
• some people aren't going to change, no matter what.
• time spent with my family is a good investment.
• grace is worth the risk.
• thinking theologically pays off, big time.
• you can't beat fun.
• perception overshadows reality.