Eric Camp

I see many leaders posting things they have learned in their ministry tenure. The interesting things are the similarities of the struggles and realizations when reading some of these posts by others. We all have a lot in common. This month is our 20th year on the Gulf Coast as we moved from Oxford, AL on January 1, 2005 with a vision for a new church in Pascagoula, MS. Oasis Church was then born officially in 2009. We changed the name during covid to Collective Church.

Before moving to the Gulf Coast, My wife and I served as Youth Pastor, Children’s Pastor (Toni) and Associate Pastor for 5 years at our church in Oxford, AL.

Here are 25 things I have learned over the past 25 years of ministry:

1. God is always faithful.
2. My family is my greatest gift beyond my salvation. I wish I had always realized it.
3. Things are not always as they appear.
4. I took too many criticisms personally.
5. I always grow stronger when I spend time in God’s Word and prayer.
6. My wife has endured a lot in our ministry. I needed to minister to her more.
7. I have a hard time trusting people.
8. I need to ask for forgiveness more quickly.
9. I have regrets. Working on this.
10. I wish my son had not seen so many of my frustrations as a pastor or a dad or a husband.
11. Life is too short. Live it totally for Jesus every moment.
12. Some of my most miserable days came when I lived to please people rather than God.
13. When I don’t take care of myself physically or emotionally, ministry seems more of a burden than a joy.
14. Our children are young only for a season. Some of my greatest joys have been with my son.
15. I’ve never seen an argument won on social media. Never.
16. The local church is the best imperfect place on earth.
17. I am always wiser when I listen to the wisdom of others.
18. Too often, I list my problems rather than count my blessings.
19. My success is not measured by the size of my church or the prestige of my organization.
20. I’ve needed to demonstrate kindness more intentionally and more frequently.
21. I fight pride more often than I’d like to admit.
22. Some of my worst moments in ministry were when I lost my temper.
23. I have overcomplicated things more than I would like to admit.
24. I need to practice the discipline of repentance more frequently.
25. Real Friends are rare and I’ve spent most of my life not having true friendships. (Working on this). (It’s me…hi… I’m the problem, it’s me 🙂

I am a work in process, but am intentionally working on the areas of most concern.

Last year I did start therapy with a psychologist that has helped me and my mental health. I highly recommend everyone to get therapy!

How about you? What does your list look like? (regardless of how many years)