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After 50 Years of Ministry: 7 Things I'd Do Differently and 7 Things I'd Do the Same
Learn Ministry from One of the Best When Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church, it was just 120 people meeting in a basement. When he retired forty years later, it was nearing 20,000. Though Bob's ministry was a clear success, he'd be the first to say it wasn’t perfect. In After 50 Years of Ministry he shares why. He reflects on the best of what he’s learned—sometimes the hard way—about ministry and leadership, like how Hilarious, warm, and full of great stories and illustrations, After 50 Years of Ministry is sage advice from a faithful servant of God. If you are in leadership of any kind, don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best.
- GenresLeadership
224 pages, Hardcover
Published June 7, 2016
39 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Bob Russell
65 books12 followersBOB RUSSELL At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches and conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books.Bob and his wife Judy of 50 years have two married sons, Rusty and Phil. In his leisure time he enjoys playing golf and is an avid University of Louisville football and basketball fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 29, 2018
It was like having coffee with a retired Pastor and soaking up the wisdom. Great book!
May 28, 2016
I love to learn from long-time pastors who’ve shepherded faithfully over many decades. Bob Russell, pastor for forty years at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, shares seven things he’d do differently and seven things he’d do the same. While I have ecclesiological differences with Russell (he was pastor of a multi-site megachurch), I think every pastor would find encouragement after reading this book.
June 14, 2016
Refreshing
I read this recently on vacation and was refreshed and reenergized to get back to serve Christ and His church. Bob Russell comes across as a very down to earth and ordinary leader. Even though he led a mega church, I found his advice helpful as a small church pastor. At the end of the day, all leaders basically deal with the same issues, temptations, sins, and struggles. His advice will help many sustain decades of faithful ministry through Christ-centered joy.
I read this recently on vacation and was refreshed and reenergized to get back to serve Christ and His church. Bob Russell comes across as a very down to earth and ordinary leader. Even though he led a mega church, I found his advice helpful as a small church pastor. At the end of the day, all leaders basically deal with the same issues, temptations, sins, and struggles. His advice will help many sustain decades of faithful ministry through Christ-centered joy.
January 19, 2017
Reading this book was like sitting at the feet of a wise, seasoned leader for counsel and advice for ministry. The first half deals with things Russell would have done differently. The second half deals with things that he would do the same in his ministry, if he had to do it all again. All the chapters are filled with practical advice from a veretan pastor who finished his race strong and successfully. I highly recommend it.
November 20, 2016
Russell, who was in ministry a long time at a mega-church, breaks this book into two parts. The first part - seven things he wishes he'd done differently - is interesting. But it's the second part - seven things he would do the same - where the book really shines. He gives practical advice that any preacher at any point in their career would find helpful. I found myself taking a lot of notes.
May 17, 2016
Any pastor, young or old should read this. Russell has so much wisdom and shares it with such honesty and humility. It will encourage and challenge people in ministry. I wish we had more pastors like Russell.
April 27, 2017
Great advice!
I enjoyed this book very much! Bob's wisdom along with his humble approach to ministry is refreshing. A must read for every minister.
I enjoyed this book very much! Bob's wisdom along with his humble approach to ministry is refreshing. A must read for every minister.
December 10, 2019
At age 22, Bob Russell became pastor of the 120-member congregation of Southeast Christian Church. Forty years later, Bob handed off his ministry at Southeast to his associate pastor with the church at 22,000 members. The church continued to grow over the next decade and currently sits at 30,000 members. And yet, when you read Bob Russell, you’re struck by how normal Russell is. He style is straight forward, almost simple, with lots of down-to-earth anecdotes.
Russell frames the book in two parts. The first half of the book are seven things Russell would do differently and the second half of the book are things Russell would do the same.
The seven things Russell would do differently are:
1. I would minister more by faith and less by fear;
2. I would watch less television and find a more positive way to “gear down” at the end of the day;
3. I’d pay less attention to criticism and give more attention to swimming with the fish;
4. I’d be kinder, more attentive, and more animated with my wife;
5. I would quite mentally comparing and competing with other preachers and other churches;
6. I’d be more generous to individuals both inside and outside the church;
7. I would never again attempt to cover over a staff moral failure.
The seven things Russell would do the same are:
1. I would maintain preparation for expository preaching as a priority in my daily schedule;
2. I would make the necessary adjustments to cope with the taxing pressures of ministry;
3. I would laugh a lot and incorporate humor in my preaching;
4. I would build a team of highly qualified leaders and lean on them;
5. I would avoid getting caught up in the celebrity mentality;
6. I would stay with what works and not get too quickly swept up in the latest fads;
7. I would stay in one place for forty years and move to a new chapter while I was still young enough to embrace the opportunity.
Each of the chapter is valuable, even if there is very little that is unique to Russell. Ultimately that is encouraging to the reader, however. A book on lessons learned from 50 years of ministry gains credibility by the almost mundane nature of the wisdom. That said, my favorite chapters were on courage and comparison.
I appreciate how vulnerable Russell is in his book. Even the way it is structured, with Russell’s reflections on his failures first builds rapport with the reader. I especially connected with Russell’s sensitivity to his critics. At one point he says, “We often allow a small handful of vocal critics to manipulate us and prevent us from making decisions that are best for the vast majority.” I resonated with Russell’s reflection that, “Satan’s primary weapon against ministers is not lust or greed but discouragement.”
Speaking from the position of a pastor whose church experienced numeric success in a way only a handful of pastors have, Russell reminds us, “Take it from someone who has been blessed to be in a church that grew steadily for a long time. Enough is never enough… There’s always a level above you, and if you insist on being the lead dog, you’re going to wind up miserable and exhausted in ministry.” Am I being honest with my contentedness? Am I finding my contentedness in Christ?
Russell often grounds his wisdom in protecting your marriage and creating healthy friendships and team relationships. “Spend significant time with friends and family members who aren’t overly impressed with you,” Russell says. He continues, “Embrace the humbling experiences god brings into your life.” A healthy ministry is connected to people and the place of ministry. To that end, Russell says, “one of the wisest things a young preacher can do is fall in love with his community.”
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
Russell frames the book in two parts. The first half of the book are seven things Russell would do differently and the second half of the book are things Russell would do the same.
The seven things Russell would do differently are:
1. I would minister more by faith and less by fear;
2. I would watch less television and find a more positive way to “gear down” at the end of the day;
3. I’d pay less attention to criticism and give more attention to swimming with the fish;
4. I’d be kinder, more attentive, and more animated with my wife;
5. I would quite mentally comparing and competing with other preachers and other churches;
6. I’d be more generous to individuals both inside and outside the church;
7. I would never again attempt to cover over a staff moral failure.
The seven things Russell would do the same are:
1. I would maintain preparation for expository preaching as a priority in my daily schedule;
2. I would make the necessary adjustments to cope with the taxing pressures of ministry;
3. I would laugh a lot and incorporate humor in my preaching;
4. I would build a team of highly qualified leaders and lean on them;
5. I would avoid getting caught up in the celebrity mentality;
6. I would stay with what works and not get too quickly swept up in the latest fads;
7. I would stay in one place for forty years and move to a new chapter while I was still young enough to embrace the opportunity.
Each of the chapter is valuable, even if there is very little that is unique to Russell. Ultimately that is encouraging to the reader, however. A book on lessons learned from 50 years of ministry gains credibility by the almost mundane nature of the wisdom. That said, my favorite chapters were on courage and comparison.
I appreciate how vulnerable Russell is in his book. Even the way it is structured, with Russell’s reflections on his failures first builds rapport with the reader. I especially connected with Russell’s sensitivity to his critics. At one point he says, “We often allow a small handful of vocal critics to manipulate us and prevent us from making decisions that are best for the vast majority.” I resonated with Russell’s reflection that, “Satan’s primary weapon against ministers is not lust or greed but discouragement.”
Speaking from the position of a pastor whose church experienced numeric success in a way only a handful of pastors have, Russell reminds us, “Take it from someone who has been blessed to be in a church that grew steadily for a long time. Enough is never enough… There’s always a level above you, and if you insist on being the lead dog, you’re going to wind up miserable and exhausted in ministry.” Am I being honest with my contentedness? Am I finding my contentedness in Christ?
Russell often grounds his wisdom in protecting your marriage and creating healthy friendships and team relationships. “Spend significant time with friends and family members who aren’t overly impressed with you,” Russell says. He continues, “Embrace the humbling experiences god brings into your life.” A healthy ministry is connected to people and the place of ministry. To that end, Russell says, “one of the wisest things a young preacher can do is fall in love with his community.”
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
September 27, 2017
I requested for a review copy as I had read Russell's excellent "When God Builds a Church" - if you have yet to read it, I'd highly recommend it! However, I had half expected that as with most megachurch pastors, Russell could only have authored only one good book (with the others being of a so-so standard). I am most happy to admit that I could not be more wrong, this book has very much cemented its place on the rare never-to-be-sold-away 6 star (out of 5) gem.
As a senior minister/preacher who has retired for slightly over a decade, Russell writes earnestly, honestly and authentically; I did not send that he had anything to prove nor axe to grind - he simply wanted to bless the next generation of pastors/preachers. What with? With the vastamount of wisdom and experience he had accumulated - which often shared with an engaging, self-depreciating sense of humour. The appeal of and winsomeness of the illustrations alone would be worth the price of the book's retail value; I found myself to be genuinely interested whenever a real-world example was coming up and savoured every bite of it! I'd be hard pressed to pick which section of the book I preferred; I found both his regrets and best practices to be immensely handy.
As a seminary student with little ministry experience, this most wonderful labour of love has provided me with a glimpse of what forty years of faithful service would look like - warts and all - and provide endless food for thought! I could possibly spend a couple of months journeying a chapter of two on a weekly basis with a trusted friend in reflection, making plans and self-evaluation, and perhaps 5 years later, look back at this book and still find that it is still going to be incredibly useful! What I found exceptionally helpful was how Russell often shared about the temptation for self-glorification and how he sought to combat it - for good measure, Russell would add in a humourous story of how ordinary (or second rate) he truly was in reality when compared to his compatriots and staff.
In summary, this book was incredibly practical, highly inspirational and very realistic. I did not close the covers with a sense of how great a man Russell was - I went away with a sense of awe for the God Russell lovingly served for four decades. That perhaps, if a guy as ordinary and oddball as Russell could go the distance in the Lord's service, maybe I too, can also!
I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newsroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
As a senior minister/preacher who has retired for slightly over a decade, Russell writes earnestly, honestly and authentically; I did not send that he had anything to prove nor axe to grind - he simply wanted to bless the next generation of pastors/preachers. What with? With the vastamount of wisdom and experience he had accumulated - which often shared with an engaging, self-depreciating sense of humour. The appeal of and winsomeness of the illustrations alone would be worth the price of the book's retail value; I found myself to be genuinely interested whenever a real-world example was coming up and savoured every bite of it! I'd be hard pressed to pick which section of the book I preferred; I found both his regrets and best practices to be immensely handy.
As a seminary student with little ministry experience, this most wonderful labour of love has provided me with a glimpse of what forty years of faithful service would look like - warts and all - and provide endless food for thought! I could possibly spend a couple of months journeying a chapter of two on a weekly basis with a trusted friend in reflection, making plans and self-evaluation, and perhaps 5 years later, look back at this book and still find that it is still going to be incredibly useful! What I found exceptionally helpful was how Russell often shared about the temptation for self-glorification and how he sought to combat it - for good measure, Russell would add in a humourous story of how ordinary (or second rate) he truly was in reality when compared to his compatriots and staff.
In summary, this book was incredibly practical, highly inspirational and very realistic. I did not close the covers with a sense of how great a man Russell was - I went away with a sense of awe for the God Russell lovingly served for four decades. That perhaps, if a guy as ordinary and oddball as Russell could go the distance in the Lord's service, maybe I too, can also!
I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newsroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
May 15, 2021
After 50 Years in Ministry is primarily written to encourage those in ministerial positions in the church; however, I believe it has valuable information for laypeople as well. The author, Bob Russell, was a pastor for 40 years at a megachurch in Louisville, KY. The church grew from 120 members to over 18,000 by the time he left in 2006. After retiring from that position, he has continued to work in ministry, particularly reaching out to help mentor others in this field.
I am not a pastor, but I found that much of Russell's advice applies to every Christian. Russell covers such topics as digging into God's word, stewarding your time, a generous spirit, not taking criticism to heart, being transparent about moral failures, a joyful attitude, and viewing your retirement not as a time to rest, but as a time to serve. I particularly loved his advice on limiting your time in front of the television. He also includes a section on the benefits of expository preaching. Unless you're a pastor, you're unlikely to find yourself writing sermons. However, he has some good points on the importance of being fed God's word. Personally, I get far more out of sermons that go through a book of the Bible rather than topical preaching.
The author uses real-life examples to illustrate each of his points and he is transparent about his failures and missteps (e.g. forgetting to show up for a wedding, being late to preach because he fell asleep in his office). His personal stories made the book easy to relate to and help drive his points home. He has an easy and engaging writing style and he comes across as very real and personable. This was an enjoyable book to read as well as encouraging.
Overall I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I am not a pastor, but I found that much of Russell's advice applies to every Christian. Russell covers such topics as digging into God's word, stewarding your time, a generous spirit, not taking criticism to heart, being transparent about moral failures, a joyful attitude, and viewing your retirement not as a time to rest, but as a time to serve. I particularly loved his advice on limiting your time in front of the television. He also includes a section on the benefits of expository preaching. Unless you're a pastor, you're unlikely to find yourself writing sermons. However, he has some good points on the importance of being fed God's word. Personally, I get far more out of sermons that go through a book of the Bible rather than topical preaching.
The author uses real-life examples to illustrate each of his points and he is transparent about his failures and missteps (e.g. forgetting to show up for a wedding, being late to preach because he fell asleep in his office). His personal stories made the book easy to relate to and help drive his points home. He has an easy and engaging writing style and he comes across as very real and personable. This was an enjoyable book to read as well as encouraging.
Overall I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
November 9, 2018
Bob Russell was a pastor for 50 years, 40 of which were at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The church grew from 120 people to multiple thousands and became a multisite megachurch. He has now retired and was asked by pastoral colleagues to share the lessons he’s learned in two areas-7 Things I’d do Differently & 7 Things I’d do the Same. It is a book full of the wisdom. Even the titles of his 14 lessons are instructive – i.e., “I would quit mentally comparing and competing with other preachers and other churches, “I would stay with what works and not get too quickly swept up in the latest fads”, etc.
One of the seven things he’d do the same is “I would again laugh a lot and incorporate humor in my preaching.” Wonderful advice. That humor pervades his writing. The introduction opens with a note a fifth grade student gave him: “To Bob Russell, You have to be brave to be able to stand in front of thousands of people. I’m glad you’re a preacher at this church and I think you do a wonderful job. I am praying that one of these times you don’t mess up. –Sincerely, Kenny Ward.” In the book Russell honestly shares his mess-ups but equally celebrates the life-giving ways God worked. An important book for all those in ministry.
5 Stars Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 11/09/18
One of the seven things he’d do the same is “I would again laugh a lot and incorporate humor in my preaching.” Wonderful advice. That humor pervades his writing. The introduction opens with a note a fifth grade student gave him: “To Bob Russell, You have to be brave to be able to stand in front of thousands of people. I’m glad you’re a preacher at this church and I think you do a wonderful job. I am praying that one of these times you don’t mess up. –Sincerely, Kenny Ward.” In the book Russell honestly shares his mess-ups but equally celebrates the life-giving ways God worked. An important book for all those in ministry.
5 Stars Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 11/09/18
May 19, 2024
This book was an interesting memoir. At first I wasn’t really enjoying the book, but I couldn’t seem to put it down. I finished the read in three days. It was filled with super practical insights.
Here are a couple of thoughts from the book:
“Take it from someone who has blessed to be a church that grew steadily for a long time. Enough is never enough. If your self-esteem is dependent on you being the lead dog, you’re always going to be dissatisfied and insecure because there’s always someone who has a bigger attendance, a nicer building, receives more accolades, speaks of more significant compresses, or sells more books. There’s always a level above you, and if you insist on being that lead dog, you’re going to wind up miserable and exhausted in ministry.”
Better yet…
“We can work so hard to understand how the world thinks that we end up saying what the world wants to hear.”
This last quote is gold. Stay true to what the scripture says and don’t try to water it down.
I would recommend this as a quick read to be reminded what really matters as a pastor.
Here are a couple of thoughts from the book:
“Take it from someone who has blessed to be a church that grew steadily for a long time. Enough is never enough. If your self-esteem is dependent on you being the lead dog, you’re always going to be dissatisfied and insecure because there’s always someone who has a bigger attendance, a nicer building, receives more accolades, speaks of more significant compresses, or sells more books. There’s always a level above you, and if you insist on being that lead dog, you’re going to wind up miserable and exhausted in ministry.”
Better yet…
“We can work so hard to understand how the world thinks that we end up saying what the world wants to hear.”
This last quote is gold. Stay true to what the scripture says and don’t try to water it down.
I would recommend this as a quick read to be reminded what really matters as a pastor.
September 4, 2018
Great Help and Encouragement
It's not often that you get to hear from a man who has been 50 years in ministry. That in itself is a gift to ministers. Bob shares from his own experience in vulnerable ways that connect to the hearts and lives of pastors the world over. I related often to his stories. I also feel better equipped for the many years I have left to serve Christ's church. Thank you for an invaluable and accessible resource! It was both practical and inspirational.
It's not often that you get to hear from a man who has been 50 years in ministry. That in itself is a gift to ministers. Bob shares from his own experience in vulnerable ways that connect to the hearts and lives of pastors the world over. I related often to his stories. I also feel better equipped for the many years I have left to serve Christ's church. Thank you for an invaluable and accessible resource! It was both practical and inspirational.
August 9, 2019
Discovered this book while listening to the author being interviewed on the Pastor Well podcast. The seven things to he’d do differently and the seven things he’d do the same are simply sound, biblically practical markers for any pastor to either avoid or establish, regardless of their tenure. This is a book I nit only recommend highly, but one that I will read repeatedly.
April 14, 2024
I read this book several years ago. I generally agree with most of his points. My only major disagreement with him has to do with his low view of pastoral counseling. I believe that it’s the pastor’s job to be a counselor and he does not. Aside from that one disagreement I think he provides solid advice for anyone going into ministry.
September 17, 2025
Timely advice for pastors
Bob’s humble and normal way of talking to people is a big reason his church was so successful. That comes across in this book as he simply states 7 things he would do differently and 7 things he wouldn’t change. Through the many relatable stories to the practical advice, each pastor will all away encourage and refreshed.
Bob’s humble and normal way of talking to people is a big reason his church was so successful. That comes across in this book as he simply states 7 things he would do differently and 7 things he wouldn’t change. Through the many relatable stories to the practical advice, each pastor will all away encourage and refreshed.
January 11, 2020
A very practical and helpful book for any person in full time ministry. Bob Russell gives a very real testimony of life in ministry which any person in ministry could relate to. Read it, take notes and apply it!
July 4, 2020
I was blessed to get a copy from the author. Bob's experience is valuable, and while the world has changed much in the past 50+ years, much of his wisdom and advice still apply and translate well into today.
September 17, 2022
Fantastic. This book is extremely practical, honest, and full of many stories. I am grateful for the legacy of Bob Russell and the impact that the ministry of Southeast Christian Church has had on my own life. Praise the Lord!
May 15, 2025
Powerful & Practical
Pastor Russell’s book is packed with powerful and practical principles regarding how to pastor effectively. I went through it, chapter by chapter, with a group of men who sense the call to ministry. I highly recommend this book!
Pastor Russell’s book is packed with powerful and practical principles regarding how to pastor effectively. I went through it, chapter by chapter, with a group of men who sense the call to ministry. I highly recommend this book!
August 29, 2018
Outstanding
An outstanding, well articulated, down to earth, explanation of the nitty-gritty world of ministry. Would highly recommend to pastors, church staff, and leaders.
An outstanding, well articulated, down to earth, explanation of the nitty-gritty world of ministry. Would highly recommend to pastors, church staff, and leaders.
July 7, 2019
Good reflection
This is a good reflection with helpful insights for young ministers. I look forward to applying some of the things the author talked about.
This is a good reflection with helpful insights for young ministers. I look forward to applying some of the things the author talked about.
September 4, 2020
Great, easy read, practical and down to earth!
February 3, 2022
Every minister of the Word should read this.
June 21, 2023
Every pastor and church leader should read this. Full of wisdom, grace, And humor.
July 3, 2023
An honest look into the life of a faithful pastor. While the things he wouldn’t do were helpful, the things he would do the same were encouraging and helpful as a young pastor.
September 21, 2023
Fantastic, transparent, and honest look at what it takes to LAST in ministry.
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September 17, 2018
Loved all the principles and honest personal illustrations in the book.
March 13, 2017
Loved this book. It ministered to me personally and gave me hope as a young Pastor. His experiences are insightful and sometimes hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews