Slideshow image

 

Dear Young Pastors and Church Planters,

 

As I sit to write this, I reflect on my 25 years of pastoral ministry and church planting. I’ve seen the highs and lows, the seasons of harvest, and the stretches of barrenness. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: God’s faithfulness. If you’re reading this, you are in the early stages of ministry, and I want you to know that the road ahead, while not always easy, is one filled with purpose, promise, and profound joy.

 

In your first five years, it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world. The desire to see lives transformed and communities changed can become overwhelming. But I want to remind you that this journey is not meant to be walked alone. Just as Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, there are timeless truths that can help guide you through the challenges and victories that lay ahead. Let me share a few lessons from my own experience and the wisdom of Paul’s letters to Timothy.

 

  1. Fan into Flame the Gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6)

 

Starting out in ministry is a bit like building a fire from embers. You might feel the flicker of excitement from your calling, but you’ll need to nurture that fire continuously. Ministry will stretch you, test you, and, at times, exhaust you. But, just as Paul encouraged Timothy, you must fan into flame the gift that God has placed inside of you. Whether through prayer, study, or mentorship, keep stoking that fire. Never let it go out. The passion you have today will be tested, but it’s the divine spark that will carry you through the darkest days.

 

  1. Do Not Let Anyone Look Down on You Because You Are Young (1 Timothy 4:12)

 

It doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 55. If you’re new to ministry, people may doubt your experience, your capacity to lead, or your understanding of the church. Let me encourage you, as Paul encouraged Timothy: your age, whether literal or in ministry years, does not define your ability to lead. What matters is your character, your example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. You set the tone for your ministry by the way you live, and that is what will earn the respect of your congregation and your community.

 

  1. Guard What Has Been Entrusted to You (1 Timothy 6:20)

 

One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is the importance of guarding the message of the gospel. The world will always offer distractions, temptations, and pressures to water down the truth. But you must remain steadfast in what has been entrusted to you. Protect the purity of God’s Word and the mission of the church. Don’t compromise for the sake of popularity or growth. I’ve seen ministries rise quickly and fall just as fast because they lost sight of this. Stay grounded in the truth, and trust that God will build His church, even when it seems slow.

 

  1. Be Strong in the Grace That Is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1)

 

Ministry can often feel like a race, and in the early years, you might be tempted to sprint. But let me tell you, this is a marathon. You will face trials and tribulations, times when you feel inadequate, and moments when you question your calling. But remember this: it is God’s grace that will sustain you, not your own strength. Paul reminded Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ, and I pass that reminder to you. Lean into grace, not just when you fall short, but daily. Let it empower you to keep going, especially when the weight of ministry becomes too much to bear alone.

 

  1. Preach the Word; Be Prepared in Season and Out of Season (2 Timothy 4:2)

 

Preaching the Word is at the heart of what we do as pastors. But let me assure you, there will be times when preaching doesn’t feel convenient, when your energy is low, and when the congregation doesn’t seem receptive. Yet, Paul’s charge to Timothy is clear: preach the Word, in season and out of season. Stay faithful to the message God has placed on your heart, even when it seems no one is listening. Your job is to plant the seeds of truth; it is God’s job to bring the harvest.



These early years are foundational, and I want to encourage you to stay the course. You will face adversity, but every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Surround yourself with mentors, be accountable, and take care of your spiritual, mental, and emotional health. I’ve seen too many young pastors burn out because they forgot to rest in God’s grace and tried to do everything in their own strength.

 

As you continue to preach, teach, and shepherd, remember that your calling is sacred. God has chosen you for such a time as this. He has placed you in your community to be a light, to be a servant, and to advance His kingdom. And while the journey may be long and, at times, hard, I can assure you that it is worth it.

 

You’re just getting started, and the best is yet to come.

 

In His service,

 

Pastor Frank Henderson

EPIC Fellowship Church

pastor@epicfc.org