When the pastor of the nation's eighth-largest church retires after 40 years in ministry, the occasion reverberates well beyond the confines of its community.

Bob Russell hasn't attracted attention just because he served so long in one place, though. He did so while guiding Southeast Christian Church from a modest congregation of 140 that originally met in a red brick house to a megachurch with nearly 20,000 people entering its sanctuary each weekend.

Ensconced in a gleaming, $87 million edifice that has hosted nationally-known speakers, authors and musicians – singer Michael W. Smith recorded his Worship Again album there – Southeast Christian has achieved landmark status in Louisville, Ky.

So when Russell took the podium this spring for his last quarterly pastor's prayer luncheon, the group of 70 pastors from Kentucky and neighboring southern Indiana was all ears.

Started five years ago, the event has often served as a pep rally for those serving on the front lines of ministry, but to hear parting words of wisdom from a successful senior pastor made the event special.

How to endure

Without the question being stated, it almost seemed obvious: How did you last so long in the same church?

Simple -- early on Russell and his wife, Judy, decided they wouldn't even entertain the idea of leaving. Coupled with that came unity with the church's leaders: "We were blessed to be part of a great church with supportive leadership."

Still, a successful pastorate begins early in life, as Russell pointed out when he started his talk by applauding his parents for being examples of Christian faithfulness.

"My parents had a sense of duty. They went to church every time the doors were open," Russell told the crowd. "As children we never asked if we were going to church. It was never a question."

Buttressed by this background, Russell began his ministry in 1966 as a fresh-faced youngster in his 20s. Granted, he made mistakes, yet even the accumulated wisdom of 40 years hasn't made him immune from criticism.

One reason he lasted so long in ministry is he learned to cope with it and endure the naysayers, Russell said. Smiling as he recounted some of the criticism he had received over the past six months, he mentioned one man who told him, "You know, you look a lot younger from a distance."

Southeast Christian's longtime leader recalled how he has been chided for quoting people who are too liberal in his sermons. Others gripe because he cites figures who are too conservative.

Rather than get upset about standing in the middle of this crossfire, Russell said he collected critical letters over the years and after retiring plans to write a book dealing with criticism.

"Usually criticism doesn't knock you down but it does weaken the structure," he said. "You have to learn to cope with criticism."

Watching the big picture

Another reason for Russell's longevity in ministry has been his ability to keep sight of the big picture, remaining optimistic about Southeast despite its problems. On several occasions, the noted pastor has called 95 percent of members great, four percent not so hot and one percent "downright nasty."

Besides advising pastors not to spend too much time dwelling on the negative, he also counseled the group to put family first.

"When it's all said and done, the people standing by your side will be your family and the Lord," he said. "Don't neglect them for the ministry."

Another key piece of advice from Russell was to maintain a sense of calling. He reminded them that they are in the ministry because of this divine direction.

There are times when the ministry isn't much fun and others when people will let you down, Russell said.

"There were times in my ministry when it was all I could do to put one foot on the floor and then the other," he recalled. "But we have to keep going because it's our calling and duty."

Still, Russell said a key reason he endured ups and downs was because his church provided him times of rest so he could recharge spiritually and physically. He advised if one hopes to last in ministry, there must be time for rejuvenation.

Finally, the veteran leader said he has enjoyed an extended ministry because the Holy Spirit lifted him up and protected him, even when he didn't even realize it at the time.

"God protected my family from the evil one," Russell said. "God has encouraged me when I've needed it, and he humbled me when I needed humbling."

Despite his impending retirement, Russell plans to continue in ministry. He plans to mentor young preachers, continue speaking and writing, and get more involved in the Londen Institute. The group provides a fast track for those entering ministry as a second career.

"I love ministry and I'm excited about what's ahead for me," Russell said. "We're in the greatest work in the world, and we need to keep that in perspective. Let's pray for longevity in ministry. Don't grow weary in doing good."

Chris Birke is the editor of The Southeast Outlook, a weekly newspaper with a circulation of nearly 30,000.