Explore the topic of the acceptance of a church vision by the congregation. Consider the benefits of a long-term ministry: 1. Opportunity to mold the character of your church 2. Opportunity to affect the community 3. Opportunity to affect a larger area 4. You can really get into the lives of your people 5. The congregation observes how you handle problems 6. The congregation observes how you handle mistakes 7. Opportunity to have roots for you and your family 8. It forces you to keep fresh 9. You can pastor your missionaries 10. You can keep continuity of former members 11. Church growth studies show that greater growth comes in long-term pastoratesConsider the disadvantages of a long-term ministry: 1. They will learn all your faults 2. You will see all their flaws 3. You can lose your freshness 4. Special day sermons become more difficult 5. A long-term pastor can become a dictator 6. Some will become too dependent on you and not the Lord 7. Not everyone is cut out for a long-term pastorateExplore how to have a long-term pastorate: 1. Have it as a goal 2. Expect some rough times 3. Set goals to keep yourself fresh 4. Visit other churches and find out what they are doing 5. Learn to forgive 6. Keep fresh at all costs 7. Bring in guest speakers to supplement your weaknesses 8. In your ministry point to Christ