27 Things I’ve Learned from Pastoring the Same Church for 27 Years
(OK, technically 31… but who’s counting?)
By Chuck E. Tate
“Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.” — Hebrews 3:5–6 (NLT)
In 1998, my wife Annette and I said “yes” to the call of God and launched RockChurch in Central Illinois with little more than a dream, a handful of people, and a fire in our hearts. We met on Sunday nights, stayed mobile for nine years, and moved locations nine times before settling into the property we now call home.
Over the years, we’ve watched God build His Church—just like He promised in Matthew 16:18:
“I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”
Now, 27 years later, I’ve had a front-row seat to His faithfulness—and I’ve learned a few things (some the hard way).
RockChurch/Chuck Tate
Here are 31 lessons from 27 years of pastoring RockChurch:
1. You don’t know everything.
Surround yourself with leaders who are smarter than you.
2. You can’t do everything.
Especially if you want to lead your church through growth barriers.
3. You can’t be friends with everybody.
But it’s vital to have a healthy small group you trust and can do life with.
4. Don’t implement change to please an individual or family.
Especially if that individual/family is waving a checkbook.
5. Be teachable.
And build your team with people who are teachable.
6. When pride walks on the stage, Jesus walks off the stage.
— Jentezen Franklin
7. Transparency is a strength.
Not a weakness.
8. When people you’ve invested in leave your church—it hurts.
You’re not supposed to take it personally, but you will. Over time, you’ll learn that some people are only meant to be with you for a season.
9. Your wife and children should never have to live up to expectations you haven’t agreed to.
Translation: The church doesn’t own your family.
10. It really is possible for your kids to grow up loving Jesus and His Church.
11. Don’t evaluate your ministry by scrolling Instagram.
Especially not on Sunday afternoons or Monday mornings.
“Bigger’s not better. Smaller’s not better. Better’s better. Be better.”
— Rick Warren
12. If someone says, “Don’t worry—we’re not leaving,”
They’re probably about to leave.
13. Never make a major decision based on vague criticism.
If someone says, “Everyone is saying…” but won’t tell you who “everyone” is—don’t buy it. And don’t respond to anonymous criticism.
14. Jesus will still bless your church in spite of your shortcomings.
But character and integrity will take you further.
15. Sunday naps are worth more than money.
Rest. Jesus commands it.
16. Sometimes multiplication comes through subtraction.
17. Spend more time shepherding those who stay than chasing those who left.
(Yes, you still leave the 99 for the 1—but don’t neglect the 99.)
18. If someone posts something personal on Facebook…
They’ll assume you saw it—and may be offended if you don’t acknowledge it.
19. Never compromise the vision.
Ever.
20. Momentum is spiritual.
But maintenance is intentional.
21. Criticism often comes from the cheapest seats in the arena.
Listen with grace, but don’t let it derail your mission.
22. There’s a difference between being busy and being effective.
Don’t mistake activity for impact.
23. Success without surrender leads to burnout.
Stay grounded in the presence of God.
24. The culture of your staff becomes the culture of your church.
Protect it.
25. Every Sunday matters.
Don’t “phone it in” because it’s a holiday weekend.
26. Honor goes further than hype.
Celebrate people privately and publicly.
Do for one what you can't do for everyone—because intentional acts of love and recognition leave a lasting impact.
27. Raise up leaders.
Mentor and invest in people. Then give them opportunity to lead and do real ministry.
28. Systems and processes matter.
Excellence isn’t random—it’s repeatable.
29. The Church belongs to Jesus.
You’re not the owner. You’re the steward. Keep your courage. Stay confident in your hope in Christ.
30. You need the power of the Holy Spirit.
No strategy or sermon will ever replace His presence.
31. You will only go as far as your personal devotional life.
Public ministry will always be capped by private intimacy with Jesus.
Looking Ahead…
Pastoring for 27 years hasn’t always been easy—but it has always been worth it.
Jesus has been faithful. The flame He started in 1997 is still burning—and we’re just getting started.
Chuck Tate is a pastor, award-winning author (41 Will Come), and cohost of Revival Town Podcast. His new book, Nine Words From Jesus—A Manifesto of Hope to Thrive in the Present and Prevail in the Future is available wherever books are sold.