30 Things I’ve Learned in 30 Years of Ministry

Marking three decades since his ordination, Russell Moore reflects on thirty unfiltered lessons from ministry life—captured in the order they came to mind, not ranked or polished. From the formative power of hymns and Scripture-soaked childhood to the limits of theological training, the irreplaceable role of gut instincts, and the surprising ways youth ministry skills translate to leadership at every level, these insights are part memoir, part field guide. With candor and conviction, Moore invites readers to see ministry not as a ladder to outgrow, but as a lifelong calling shaped by worship, discernment, and a love for God’s Word that refuses to be compartmentalized.

August 6, 2025 marked the 30th (!) anniversary of my ordination to ministry by the Bay Vista Baptist Church in my hometown of Biloxi, Mississippi. I’m recognizing the milestone by offering you 30 things I’ve learned in 30 years in ministry.

I do not claim that these are the 30 most important things I’ve learned. If I tried to do that, I would procrastinate forever, weighing how one thing is more important than something else. So instead, I am tricking myself by forcing myself to do it randomly, not allowing myself time to think between each of these bullet points.