A phrase I grasped hold of quite a few years ago was this: “Be a life learner.”
The world around us is rapidly growing and changing and there is always new information to learn. When I approach each day as alearner, I am placing value on the ideas and people around me. Learning is an act of humility, and being an effective minister of the Gospel means constantly seeking to relate to those around us. Keeping the “life learner” mentality is key to avoiding complacency and continually seeking to grow.
1. Learn to love to read. There are countless people in this world smarter than me and though I may never get the chance to chat with them, their ideas and resources are often right at my fingertips. Get in a habit of reading often, be it novels, blogs, or even how-to’s.
2. Find a mentor. No matter what stage of life you may be in, seek to find someone older than you who can counsel you with Godly wisdom. Chances are they have walked through many of the circumstances you are in now and you can grow from their experience!
3. Go to a conference. Conferences are great places to connect with both peers and professionals who are both seeking to learn and looking for great ideas. Be sure to check out the upcoming Lifeway Kids Ministry Conference!
4. Keep an open mind. It takes a lot of humility to admit that my way is not necessarily always the best way. Listen to the ideas of others, observe the pros and cons, and keep yourself open to change!