In my last article we looked at the first five questions in this two-part, 10-question article. Our research shows that these 10 spiritual and commitment issues are key to the successful ministry of church leaders.

6. Are You Committed to Stay?

Any role of leadership should be viewed with a long-term outlook. "Quick-fix" solutions usually do more harm than good. Long-term commitments are desperately needed in established churches.

But the average tenure of pastors has declined from seven years to four years in the past 20 years. Among some denomination's pastors, the average tenure is even shorter.

While pastors are leaving churches at a more rapid pace than ever, numerous studies have concluded that the most productive years for the pastor may depend on longevity. Lyle Schaller found that the greatest growth of churches occurred in years five through eight of a pastor's tenure. Kirk Hadaway, whose research was limited to Southern Baptist pastors, concluded that the most productive years were three through six. And George Barna's data point to increasing productivity for pastors between years three and 15.

Undoubtedly, God will call some pastors to move to another church after a short time. He is sovereign and knows best for the kingdom. It is difficult to believe, however, that the mobility we are seeing in American pastors today is good for our churches.

If the established churches of our country are to make a difference for the kingdom, they will need leaders who will lead them through deliberate change over a long-term period. Are you committed to stay?

7. Do You Love Your Flock Unconditionally?

I once received a critical note from a church member. Unlike some of my peers in the ministry, I am a thin-skinned person who gets hurt easily by such comments. While I try to take such criticism in stride, the temptation to dwell on the negative is ever before me.

As pastor or other leader in your church, do you love the people of your church as Christ loves you?

Sometimes we accept rather lightheartedly the unconditional love of Christ for us. But we are to love others, even the most difficult of church members, with that same type of love. Do you love your flock unconditionally?

8. How Do You Look at Other Churches?

In my denomination, most of the 42,000 churches report a plethora of statistical data each year. It is not unusual, therefore, to see churches "ranked" by baptisms, new members, budget or other factors.

While such a numerical summary can be healthy if it engenders accountability and motivates leadership, it can be unhealthy if a competitive or jealous spirit develops among pastors.

God desires to give you His vision for your church. But how can we keep our eyes on Him when we might be so preoccupied with the apparent success of other churches?

Your faithfulness in ministry is not measured relative to other churches. Competitiveness among churches is nothing less than sinful disobedience. Do you rejoice at the growth of other churches? Are you praying for their pastors? How do you look at other churches?

9. How Do You Define Success?

The church-growth movement has taught us much in the past few decades. It has shown us some of the sociological and organizational reasons for the growth or lack of growth in churches.

The movement has also demonstrated the importance of numerical measurement as a method for accountability.

I am very much in disagreement with the critics who insist that numbers and statistical information are out of place in the church. To the contrary, those churches that ignore their numerical realities are often the ones that demonstrate the lowest levels of responsibility and accountability.

Numbers can be healthy if used in a proper context and with the right motive.

On the other hand, I hear the concern of the critics who are concerned that numbers may become the end instead of the means for churches. While we must be ever conscious of growth rates, attendance levels, conversions and other numerically measurable concerns, we cannot let such numbers be our ultimate measures for success.

True success is nothing more and nothing less than obedience to God. Results, numerical and otherwise, will usually be positive if we are obedient. But even if they are not positive, we will be deemed successful to God if we are faithful. How do you define success?

10. Do You Have an Attitude of Gratitude?

One of my sons once showed me a poem in one of his textbooks. The primary character in the poem was a wise man who was approached by two strangers. The first stranger, a newcomer to the city, asked the wise man what kind of people lived in the city.

The wise man responded with a question: "What kind of people live in the town from where you came?"

The first stranger then described his fellow citizens as mean-spirited, untrustworthy and self-centered. The wise man responded, "You will find the people very much like that here."

The second stranger, who arrived later, asked the identical question, with the wise man responding with the same question. But this time the second stranger said that his fellow citizens were kind, trustworthy and concerned for others. The wise man once again responded, "You will find the people very much like that here."

The manner in which we lead our churches, communicate God's vision and encourage enthusiasm will be directly related to our attitude toward the church and the people. If we focus on the negative, the critical people and the unpleasant tasks, we will see our churches as the first stranger viewed his hometown.

But we can choose God's way of being thankful and joyous at the abundance of blessings He has given us. Paul wrote to the Philippian church: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things" (Phil. 4:8).

Sometimes it takes a rude awakening for us pastors to realize how blessed we are.

I was in the middle of a pity party about some difficult church matters when the telephone rang. The friend who called me was asking for prayers. He had just been fired from his job; he and his family of four did not know where to turn.

The incident reminded me of the old saying: "I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet."

Pastors, church leaders — are you thanking God every day for his mercy, blessings and love? Are you focusing on the good, instead of dwelling on the negative? Do you have an attitude of gratitude?