I know that there are those who have far exceeded my brief 45 years of full-time ministry. But God has graciously allowed me to serve in three locations…the last being 34 years in Meyersdale, Pa. I’ve learned that longevity in any ministry is not due to the ability of the servant, but the grace and faithfulness of the Master. And He has been incredibly faithful to me.
We have all quoted the phrase, “It’s about Him, not me,” but to have a consistency in ministry, THAT truth must be lived. Four years ago my wife, Judy, and I were in Pittsburgh with our family. While there, we found that we were only blocks away from an interesting attraction entitled, Randyland. It was an outdoor courtyard artistic museum built by creative artist Randy Gibson. He created the area out of paints, plants, yard sale finds, and discarded construction materials. Thousands of people visit Randyland every year to take in this colorful landmark and honor Randy’s creativity. Don’t we all secretly desire that? A place — a life— that is totally centered around us, focused on us, even named after us!?
But ministry is not about us! Honestly, that is the first and greatest principle of ministry. We are here to honor and glorify Jesus Christ. In that endeavor, I have learned some basic principles for focus and faithfulness in ministry over the long haul.
I’ve realized that circumstances will always change and fluctuate. In the midst of people coming and going, COVID rising and falling, and the eroding definition of tolerance, we need to stay focused on truth and mission. Aways move and lead with Biblical absolutes over personal preferences. It’s hard to keep that balance, and the tendency is to push our own inclinations and desires over Biblical needs. I often found myself realizing, “It just doesn’t matter,” when examining the agenda items that I wanted to push or didn’t receive the “thank-you” that I felt I was entitled to. I have everything I need in Christ. Why do I put so much of a premium on getting my way? Which leads me to a second realization.
I strove to be the first to serve and the last to receive. I often failed at this. But if our first goal is to honor God (love the Lord your God) then the second is to serve people (love your neighbor as yourself). We know Jesus “came to serve, not to be served, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This extends beyond being the last in line. If I’m here to minister, then I really need to “consider others as more important than myself”(Philippians 2:3) as I set my schedule, spend my time, and listen to others.
This also means that I needed to take things at a pace people could handle. Pace is “the speed or tempo at which something happens or changes.” I realized that all people have their own pace. Of course needed change sometimes requires us to move faster than we desire. But we need to be aware of the line between leading people well and dragging them along. It’s not about speed. It’s about understanding that people are at different places spiritually. We should desire to disciple people in service toward growth in Christ…at their pace, not ours.
I still carry a “Randyland” card in my Bible to remind me that its not about me, but all about Him. Remembering that, we can all have many years of loving service!
Written by Randy Haulk for the Year in Review 2023–2024. Randy has recently retired from ministry at Meyersdale Grace in Meyersdale, Pa. He and his wife Judy presently live in Granville, Ohio, and fellowship at Pataskala Grace Church. They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren.