What 40 Years in Ministry Have Taught Me (So Far)

If you’d told 18-year-old me—fresh out of high school, unsure of college, and heading off on a ministry gap year—that I’d still be doing this work 40 years later… I probably would’ve laughed. Or passed out.

But here we are.

This year marks 40 years since I started full-time ministry. So for Season 2 of the LeadingSmart Podcast, Holly and I decided to take a look back. Not to reminisce (okay, maybe a little), but to reflect on the lessons I’ve picked up along the way—some the easy way, most the hard way.

In Episode 1, we cover the full sweep of my ministry journey:

  • 9 years on the road with Life Action Ministries (and meeting my wife, Faith)

  • 20 years at Granger Community Church, where I learned how to lead and how to grow

  • 6 years at Vanderbloemen helping churches all over the country

  • 4 years at Willow Creek—some of the most challenging and rewarding work of my life

  • And now, full-time with LeadingSmart

That’s five major transitions. Each one came with its own set of doubts, lessons, and yes, surprises. (Spoiler: I ended up back in the snow belt at one point. That was not in the plan.)

In this episode, I share five things I’ve learned about transitions:

  1. Everything builds toward the next

  2. Knowing when it’s the right time to move

  3. The tension between push and pull

  4. Calling vs. “the next right move”

  5. Don’t burn bridges—seriously

If you’re navigating a career change, praying through a call, or just wondering if it’s time to move on—you’re not alone. I’ve been there. More than once. And if this episode helps you feel a little less stuck, then it was worth recording.

Oh, and one more thing: We’re introducing a new segment this season called Story Time with Tim. In this episode, Holly makes me the villain in a 1923 romance set in Paris. You’ll have to listen to find out how that turns out.

Thanks for listening. I hope this season encourages you wherever you are in your journey.

LeadershipAnna BakerComment