Wayne Schmidt
General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church
Wayne Schmidt
General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church
Wayne Schmidt
General Superintendent of
The Wesleyan Church
Lessons from 40 years of ministry

Today (May 31, 2019) completes 40 years of ministry for me. In some ways, it seems like yesterday that a 21-year-old kid who graduated from Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) joined a launch team to plant a church on June 1, 1979. In other ways, it seems like, well, four decades ago. Now, at age 61, I still feel like that kid most days.
So, I’ve decided to write about some “lessons learned” over the 40 years. I looked for 40-year situations in the Bible and landed upon Joshua 1. After 40 years of wilderness wandering, Joshua finds himself uniquely positioned in the upcoming season to take new territory. In a private conversation with the God of the universe, he is told, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Now my 40 years could hardly be characterized as desert wandering. But the people of God about to enter the promised land had developed a culture…

Praise Worthy of a Loving, Faithful God
Let us dedicate all our praise to the loving and faithful God.
A New Song
Praise the Lord for his right hand and holy arm.
The Noble Cause for a New Song
Sing a new song of worship for the marvels God has accomplished.
Victory through surrender
Wayne Schmidt transparently shares stories of his life offering plate moments, those life-changing times when he surrendered his will to follow God’s will. You will learn through his words the difficulties and rewards experienced when he placed himself, his ego, and his plans into God’s plan for God’s glory.
Writing
Praise Worthy of a Loving, Faithful God
Let us dedicate all our praise to the loving and faithful God.
A New Song
Praise the Lord for his right hand and holy arm.
The Noble Cause for a New Song
Sing a new song of worship for the marvels God has accomplished.