Before You Preach It, Live It
The Life of the Minister
Welcome to Ministerial Life!
“Ministry does not begin in the pulpit. It begins in a born-again transformed committed heart.” - Brentley Wright
Ministerial Life is a journal for those who know that the call to ministry is not merely about what we do but who we are becoming as image bearers of Jesus Christ. This space was born from the conviction that lasting impact flows not from performance but from discipleship formation, character, and the never-ending unseen divine work of becoming a servant before bearing fruit as a shepherd.
Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:1 frame the heartbeat of this journal:
"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
If there is one thing I have learned about God’s calling, it is that there is a life to be lived before the sermon is written, the hand is laid, and the title is accepted. And that life must be formed in Christ, trained by godly faithful believers, shaped by the Church, and integrated into the real world of ministry. That’s why this journal exists.
There are plans to evolve the journal into a bigger resource later. Still, we are committed to building a community with pastors, leaders, and aspiring ministers who live lives that make the gospel believable and the Church stronger.
Why This Journal Matters
We live in an age where platform often outpaces preparation, where charisma can outshine character. And yet, God is still calling ministers to lead—not just with gifting but with integrity while living by faith, not perfection.
Here’s what sets Ministerial Life journal apart:
Christ-Centered
Jesus isn’t just the message—we believe He is the model. Every post aims to deepen our discipleship and center our leadership on the One who called us.
Church-Oriented
Ministry is never a solo act. We exist to build leaders for the Church, not apart from it. The Church is the God-ordained institution that re-aligns, trains, and commissions ministers to the work of our Lord. Our hermeneutic is always on loving, caring, sharing, serving, and leading the local church faithfully and fruitfully.
Practically Integrated
You won’t just find egghead theology here—you’ll find tools and resources. Expect practical frameworks, spiritual rhythms, and leadership habits that translate into everyday ministry life.
The Ministry of Becoming Before Doing
Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:16: (My favorite Scripture)
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Quick Observation: Notice the order: life first, then doctrine.
This journal is about that order.
It’s about becoming the kind of person whose ministry is sustainable—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s faithful.
It’s about addressing the internal wars, not just the external battles.
It’s about encouraging those who may feel overlooked, exhausted, rejected, depressed, or unsure—reminding them that God shapes leaders slowly, deeply, and personally.
What You Can Expect
Ministerial Life will drop content designed to build up your countenance in the calling. For now, count on the following:
Biblical insights to anchor your leadership in the Word of God. Scripture is sufficient and more than able to anchor our souls.
Leadership reflections drawn from real ministry experiences, legends of the faith, and my personal life at times.
Practical tools for missional formation, family cohesion, parenting habits, and non-negotiable soul care.
Encouragement for those leading from the margins, the trenches, or the front lines.
This isn’t for spectators. It’s for those in the trenches of becoming for the service of God’s people.
If you’re in seminary, on staff, in the field, or just answering the whisper of God’s call—this space is for you.
One More Thought
Ministry is hard. But it’s holy. And Ministerial Life exists to remind you that you’re not alone in the becoming.
So, welcome.
Let’s build lives worthy of the call.
-BW