8. Don't change your focus with each new fad. Pick a lane and stay in it. Too often pastors seek to find a magic bullet which will solve their church's perceived problems and when there is not an immediate improvement, they move on to another idea. Slow down! Stay focused and give your plan time to work. Set reasonable time lines for re-evaluation, but DON'T keep changing things. All this does is undermine your credibility as a leader.
9. Ministry is a high commitment profession and the minister's family has to be able to accept that there will be some sacrifices both in the economic and quantity of time available. But there should not be any lessening of the quality of time. Make your family a priority, realizing that at some times they might not be the top priority, they should never doubt your devotion and commitment to them. If you fail your family you shouldn't be serving as a pastor to begin with.
10. As much as possible, make your ministry a team effort involving your spouse and children. You will be happier and so will they. Too often the families of ministers begin to resent the church and God. You have to work to avoid this by involving them, not forcing them, in your life and ministry. They need to perceive God's love for people and see how you handle compassion and service as a response to love instead of a burden and a chore.
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