7 Skills Every Young Person Needs to Obsess Over Going into Ministry (Or Life Honestly)

1. Focus on Becoming the Minister, Not Running the Ministry

Focus more on becoming the minister than running the ministry. Because I had worked for such high-functioning ministries, I didn't know how to be where I actually was. I had to learn that the Lord delights in seeing the work begin—and most importantly, the work in me. Not in the idea of ministry or trying to keep up with everyone else.

2. Never Stress About Money

Never stress about money. It is simply a tool in the hands of a wise person. When you think you’ve reached the end, you never really have; it’s usually just the place where your own ability runs out. That is the exact moment you tap into supernatural supply via faith and WOW. It has been the most fun adventure.

3. Master the Art of Speed

Master the art of speed. What takes most people a week, aim to do in a day. Speed solves a lot; over-planning can often cause you to miss the point entirely. When God says "do [this]," immediately make a list broken into steps on how to get there the quickest way possible.

4. Pray Continually

Pray, pray, pray. A lot. Always. Continually.

5. Devour Every Book on Leadership

Devour every book on leadership. You can be anointed and still be a horrible communicator or leader. Titles and callings do not automatically generate wisdom; leadership must be developed. “It’s my Personality” is a weak excuse (I tell myself this a lot).

6. Know When to Run and When to Rest

Know when to run. Know when to rest. This is the simplest advice I’ve received recently, yet it completely changed my perspective: take three days every quarter away from everything with your family. You’re not weak because you rest. You are weak if you are operating from a place of depletion.

7. Eliminate Excuses

Eliminate excuses. Start with the small ones you can fix today. Immediately begin removing every "reason" that stands between you and what God has asked you to do.