“Pastor Butler.” “Pastor Gary.” Or just “Pastor.” That’s how most people address me—both former parishioners and fellow pastors and ministry colleagues. And “pastor” is how I identify myself. When I preach to a new congregation, I often explain my approach to sermons by sharing, “I am a pastor-teacher. That is how God wired me.” Pastoral preaching and teaching have been a passion that has guided my life story.

I was a local church pastor for the first twenty-two plus years of my ministry. With a history of church revitalization, I served both small and large congregations, seeing God bring about healing, health, and growth.

For the second twenty-plus years of my ministry I served as a “pastor to pastors.” As part of the leadership teams of four consecutive district superintendents in the Potomac Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, I have been an interim pastor to more than twenty congregations in transition; a leadership coach and consultant to over fifty local churches; and the creator of a ministry to provide pastoral care to a network of 1,100 credentialed pastors and leaders.

Now, in the latest chapter of my story, I’m well on my way to earning a doctor of ministry degree, and leveraging my experiences and calling as a pastor-teacher by pouring my life into Bible college and university students as an adjunct professor, and by serving as a resource, coach, consultant, and friend to fellow ministers.

My wife Carolyn, an ordained minister and outreach ministry leader, is a fantastic encourager, supporter, and friend. Together we have raised three wonderful children who love and follow Jesus. They have collectively gifted us with ten beautiful grandchildren who also love and follow Jesus. With the love and support of my family, I am excited about the current chapter of my life and ministry journey. As I reflect on my personal journey, three key lessons stand out.

1) Discern and follow the call of God. God’s call remains a constant, but it will take different forms in the various stages of life and ministry. The wise minister will walk through new doors of opportunity and adapt as God leads in each new season while remaining faithful to his/her original call.

2) Be a life-long learner. To stop learning is to stop growing. To stop growing is to begin the downward spiral into stagnation and decay. Regardless of age, you must always keep growing if you hope to lead a growing church or ministry and become the person God has called you to be.

3) Identify and make the most of “divine appointments.” The Holy Spirit offers open doors, resources, learning opportunities, and people to help you at important junctions in your life and ministry. Learn to recognize, and listen to, the Spirit’s voice. Embrace God-given partnerships. Our lives are richer because of the relationships we have built with friends, pastors, educators, mentors, coaches, and encouragers. Continue embracing new friends and partners in your life and ministry journey!