Praise for Tested and Approved

I’ve had the privilege of being led by Tom Lane since I was born, and for me (Blynda), since I married his son. There is no greater leader or pastor in our humble and unbiased opinion! As a father, his leadership has always been Spirit-led, consistent, and loving. Throughout my life, I’ve had men and women say to me, “I see your Dad like a father to me.” And some of those people were older than him! Tested and Approved represents a father’s perspective on ministry, and regardless of your age or experience, you will glean wisdom from a seasoned leader who is also an anointed father.

Todd and Blynda Lane

Son & Daughter-in-law

Executive Senior Pastor, Gateway Church

 

We have the privilege of calling Tom Lane our dad. He is one of the wisest and strongest leaders we know, and his input has laid the foundation for success in our lives and marriage. He lives the lessons he shares in this book, and his heart for people makes the insight he gives so valuable to anyone who receives it. He has guided many people during his 40 years in ministry with godly, biblical advice, enabling them to navigate life and ministry with great success. We have been greatly blessed by his wisdom, and we know that if you apply the lessons in this book, you too will be enriched by these lessons from our dad.

Braxton and Lisa Corley

Son-in-law & Daughter

 

In our experience, actual people rarely match up to the way they are perceived by others. However, Tom Lane defies what is typical. Tested and Approved beautifully describes the lessons he has taught and modeled for us to follow. This book is grounded in Scripture and perfectly describes the benefit of living a life submitted to our Lord. Each chapter provides memorable lessons we are attempting to model to this day, just as he has done for us.

Tyler and Marci Lane

Son & Daughter-in-law

Private Wealth Advisor, Merrill Private Wealth Management

 

I have always known my dad to be very intentional with his life. It’s the attribute I admire most about him. Reading this book was another reminder of that intentionality. He refuses to sit back and just let life happen. Instead, he plans, he protects, and he preserves. He wrote this book to help others, but it’s also a legacy to be passed down to each of us (his kids and grandkids). If you asked me to write out 21 lessons that I have learned from watching my dad live his life, they would have mirrored what is written in this book. Most importantly I am watching him “Finish Strong.” He has not had a moment where he has “arrived.” No, he has not stopped learning and growing, and I’m so grateful that I have been given a bird’s-eye view into the amazing insight written in this book. Thank you, Dad!

Lindsay Lane Huckins

Daughter

 

Soon after Lindsay and I first starting dating, I told Tom that I was serious about his daughter. Tom and I began meeting almost on a weekly basis, and he would impart to me the lessons he had learned and was learning in his life. I remember soaking up the wisdom he was sharing because I was able to see the results of these lessons learned in and through his life. Now being married into the Lane family, I continue to learn and grow from watching how they encourage each other to pursue excellence in all areas, including personal and spiritual growth. I attribute so much of my leadership skills today to the one-on-one time I have had with Tom, learning the lessons outlined in this book. They truly have been tested and approved.

Brett Huckins

Son-in-law

Executive Director of Communications and Technology,

Gateway Church

 

I love this new book from my dear friend Tom Lane. We started in ministry together almost 40 years ago, and I can assure you this book is the fruit of Tom’s personal life and how he lives. He practices what he teaches, and it is the reason he has been so successful on every level—personal, family, and ministry. I highly recommend this book and guarantee it will bless you and help you grow.

Jimmy Evans

Senior Pastor, Gateway Church

Best-selling Author and Speaker

 

Tom Lane is not only a colleague who has served with me in ministry for more than 20 years, but he’s also one of my closest friends. He is one of the most teachable and humble men I know. I’m so glad Tom wrote this book because I know it will help many people learn how to navigate and avoid pitfalls and obstacles in life and in ministry. As you read this book, you’ll find solid wisdom and biblical truth from a man who’s spent the majority of his life walking in obedience to the Lord.

Robert Morris

Founding Lead Senior Pastor, Gateway Church

Best-selling Author of The Blessed Life, Beyond Blessed, and Take the Day Off

 

Tom Lane is Tested and Approved. I’ve known him since 1981. While talking during one of our early lunches together, Tom was lining up his French fries from longest to shortest. I knew then this man had a divine purpose, which would include structure, process, consistency, and insight. Tom’s sincere godliness has shaped his nuclear family, his extended family, and multitudes of church families. When you read Tested and Approved, it will be like having a personal conversation with a man who cares, loves, and is engaged with the details of life and the Kingdom. Every paragraph drips with wisdom that you know came directly from Tom’s submitted life to his Father God. Pull up a chair and let the conversation begin. Your life and ministry will be activated to increased greatness.

Larry Titus

President, Kingdom Global Ministries

Apostolic Elder, Waterside Church

 

The road to success is paved with the wisdom of those who have traveled before us. In his newest book, Tested and Approved, Pastor Tom Lane beautifully captures 21 important lessons every leader must master to accomplish their God-given missions. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working in ministry with Tom for over 25 years and have seen him successfully lead both Trinity Fellowship Church and Gateway Church as Executive Pastor. His love for the Father, his submitted heart, his vast experience, and his disciplined approach to leadership give Tom the perfect perspective to craft this work. I highly recommend this book to every leader, especially the emerging leaders of this coming generation!

Jimmy Witcher

Senior Pastor, Trinity Fellowship Church

Co-author of Kingdom Come: Living in Heaven on Earth

 

There are few books we can read that truly give us insight from an individual with a lifetime of experience and learning in the ministry. Tom Lane has written just that kind of book. With decades of experience in ministry leadership in some of the largest and most influential churches in America, Tom gives practical and insightful advice to help you navigate the difficult paths of ministry and family leadership.

Dr. Jon Chasteen

Lead Pastor, Victory Church

President, The Kings University

 

I was so excited when Tom told me he was writing this book. I have witnessed firsthand the fruit that these principles have produced in his life, his family, and his profession. We can all learn from his wisdom shared here.

Dr. Henry Cloud

Clinical Psychologist and Leadership Expert

New York Times Best-selling Author

 

I’ve watched Tom Lane live out the powerful lessons he shares in these 21 lessons. He gives easy-to-read, personal, and real-world nuggets of wisdom that easily translate into practical application. The principles are instantly relevant in so many areas of life and ministry, as well as business professions. It not only applies to those just stepping into ministry but also to those well into years of serving. It’s a terrific compass to assess whether your leadership is on track or needs to be strengthened and stretched. This book should be required reading for every person stepping into ministry or in the midst of their season of serving. I’m grateful to have this resource for my teams.

Mallory Bassham

Executive Pastor of Multi-Campus Ministries, Gateway Church

 

I’ve been waiting for this book! Tom Lane is truly a brilliant man of God and has found a way, once again, to display his knowledge and understanding in text form. You are going to learn much, grow deeply, and be truly encouraged as you read these pages. Tom has blessed me with his teachings about being a father, and now he’s doing the same by teaching us to turn to the Father. I love and appreciate the wisdom of Tom Long … I mean Lane.

Michael Jr.

Comedian/Producer, Michael Jr. Productions

 

The book of Proverbs was written to transmit a lifetime of wisdom from one of the wisest men who ever lived. To me, Tom Lane is a modern-day embodiment of fatherly wisdom and a deep well of practical, godly knowledge, which I have personally been drawing from for many years. His newest book, Tested and Approved, is not the result of several weeks or even several months of sitting down to write a book. No, it has taken a lifetime to write it, because it is the result of a lifetime of experience. I am personally grateful for each golden chapter in this book and the life lessons they contain. For every person desiring to live a life that counts for God, this book should be on the top of your stack. It is not only Tested and Approved, but its message is tried and true!

Lee M. Cummings

Founding & Senior Pastor, Radiant Church

Author of Be Radiant and Flourish: Planting Your Life

Where God Designed It to Thrive

 

Leadership lessons are best learned in the rear-view mirror and not the windshield of life and ministry. For decades, Pastor Tom Lane has been used by God as a global Christian leader of leaders. He has led with Spirit-filled biblical humility and integrity at home, in business, and in ministry. This book has been decades in the making, and it is a must read for anyone wanting to lead like Jesus. I will be buying a stack for our staff and encouraging other pastors and leaders to do the same.

Mark Driscoll

Founding Senior Pastor, The Trinity Church

President, Mark Driscoll Ministries

 

Tested and Approved reflects the leadership style of its author: transparent, wise, inspiring, excellent, and authentic. It is a clear road map to unlocking an integrity-filled path to leadership success. Tom Lane’s brilliant mentoring reflections and insights are a treasure chest of clearly applicable and practical principles, which are relevant and insightful to every person at every stage of their life and leadership journey.

LoriAnn V. Lowery-Biggers

CEO, BellaVaughan, Inc.

Co-Host of “The Leader’s Panel” Podcast

It’s been my privilege to get to know Tom Lane personally over the last few years. I’ve watched him from afar as he demonstrates integrity and wisdom in ministry, but I also know him up close, which gives his message even more validity. In Tested and Approved, Tom gives the down to earth, nuts and bolts, gritty truth about how to start strong and finish well. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book so you can learn from Tom’s practical wisdom.

Greg Surratt

Founding Pastor, Sea Coast Church

Founding Member and President, ARC

 

Tom is a true spiritual father and someone I’ve had the privilege of getting to know for many years, both in his generous hosting of me at Gateway Church and in our partnership together in helping to lead the European Learning Communities. Throughout this time, I’ve been consistently blessed by Tom’s amazing love, humility, and wisdom—qualities that spill over into Tested and Approved. This book truly contains some great life lessons. Read and be strengthened!

Dr. David Smith

Senior Pastor, KingsGate Community Church

 

After 30 years of pastoral ministry, I was excited to dive into Tested and Approved, not only because I want to grow as a leader but also because I know and so highly respect the author. Tom Lane has lived out these 21 lessons for life and ministry and has forgotten more than most of us will ever learn. Whether you’ve been in ministry for a long time or are just starting out, this book will greatly improve your life and leadership!

Joe Champion

Senior Pastor, Celebration Church

Lead Team Member, ARC

 

Tom Lane’s love for life, people, and Jesus is contagious. Using real-life stories and humor, Tom draws us in and shares his wealth of leadership experience with us. The insights in this book will impact your life and your leadership.

Dr. Todd Mullins

Senior Pastor, Christ Fellowship Church

Founder, Church United

 

Tom Lane knows the challenges that pastors and others in full-time ministry face, and he’s distilled his wisdom on overcoming those obstacles into a book you won’t want to miss. Tested and Approved combines the instructive truth and grace of God’s Word with more than 30 years of Tom’s experience. The result is a passionate collection of principles sure to inspire you as well as those you serve.

Chris Hodges

Senior Pastor, Church of the Highlands

Author of The Daniel Dilemma and What’s Next?

 

In Tested and Approved, Tom Lane has captured timeless principles and values of which all of us need to be reminded. These truths will help us live and minister with grace and balance in our lives as we face the challenges of time. Tom gives us tools to use as we encourage, grow, and expand our teams. No matter what season your ministry is in, Tom’s 21 lessons will challenge you and grow you where you are. Stay strong in the Lord!

Thomas D. Mullins, PhD

Founding Pastor, Christ Fellowship Church

Founder, Place of Hope and Place of Hope International

 

Tom Lane is one of the church’s greatest strategic thinkers and administrators. He has also learned a valuable lesson, one attributed to an architect from antiquity. The architect is credited with the statement: “God is in the details.” These complimentary traits of deep insight and persistence in the details are two of the major reasons why Gateway Church has soared into its premier position in the nation. Tom’s life embodies these traits, and in this book, he shows the rest of us a path to greatness. This is a must read for both new and seasoned leaders. Prepare to be blessed as you read these pages!

Bishop Harry Jackson

Senior Pastor, Hope Christian Church

Presiding Bishop, International Communion of Evangelical Churches

Dedication

WE DO NOT exist in a vacuum but in daily interactions from the learning lab called life. I am forever indebted to the people who taught, mentored, and influenced me throughout the years. There are too many to name all of them in this dedication, so I will mention those who were most influential. I am forever enriched by these great individuals!

To my wife, Jan Frazier Lane: I have learned so many lessons about true love, devotion, priority, and faith from you.

To my parents, Jim and Joyce Lane: Thank you for teaching me lessons of diligence, faithfulness, and commitment.

To my father-in-law, Dean Frazier: I learned the lesson of being consistent from him. He was the same person at home, at work, at church, in private, and in public. He loved God consistently in every setting of his life.

To Pastor Elmer Murdoch: I learned about devotion and giving lordship to Christ from him as a spiritual mentor and pastor. He taught me humble leadership, love for God’s Word, service to God and people, and evangelism through a tool called “Step Up to Life.”

To Pastor Larry Titus: You are a pastor, mentor, and friend. From you I learned lessons about structure, excellence, and the reflection of godliness as radiated from the way we live. You taught me that everything matters before God.

To Pastor Jimmy Evans: You are my best friend, mentor, and ministry partner. I learned lessons about friendship and ministry and the truth that obedience is better than sacrifice.

To Pastor Robert Morris: You are my pastor, boss, colleague, and friend. I have learned from you the power of giving God your first and your best and about the importance of asking God about everything. You taught me how to apply the simple principle of hearing, believing, and obeying to every aspect of life and ministry.

I also want to thank the staff of Gateway Publishing for believing in this project and walking with me to bring it to the world. Special thanks to John Andersen, Jonathan Bryce, Craig Dunnagan, Alexis Hines, Emily Jones, Kathy Krenzien, Jenny Morgan, Peyton Sepeda, and Jeremy Willis for taking this book across the finish line.

Foreword

MANY PEOPLE WRITE books long before they really have anything important to say. Pastor Tom has spent decades absorbing, learning, discerning, and dispensing profound spiritual insights on leadership with unmatched clarity. He has sat in boardrooms, offices, coffee shops, and on long car rides with thousands of leaders, listening and praying along the way.

Pastor Tom has earned the right to pen this book, and the Church needs to pay attention to this man, who has walked with impressive humility and courageous vision. His counsel has literally rescued churches from the abyss, healed deep chasms of broken trust, restored fallen leaders, and renewed hope in men like me.

When I first met Tom Lane in the fall of 1995, I was a wounded young man in need of help. I bore the scars of the messy, local church, and my wife, Pam, and I needed a safe community where we would be loved and heard. We needed leaders who were trustworthy and patient.

Finally, after weeks of invitations from a friend, we arrived at Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Texas. We were cynical but desperate. That Sunday, Pastor Tom was on the platform greeting a huge crowd of people, and each word seemed sincere and kind. He gave no performance and engaged in no hype; he simply delivered his message in clear pastoral language. I could tell he was a man who obviously loved his church.

Pastor Tom has always carried the sacred calling of a shepherd—someone who walks among and with the congregation. He eats with them, laughs with them, mourns with them, and is present with them. There’s always been a bit of holy innocence about Pastor Tom, a purity of heart and motive. He was the leader I needed during that particular season of replenishing, and it’s the reason I’m grateful for this book.

Most of what I’ve learned about leading a healthy church is modeled after Pastor Tom’s life. Pam and I have watched him love Jan sincerely, father his children diligently, and serve other leaders faithfully. He was the steady force behind the supernatural growth of Gateway Church when I served there. He’s been my loyal overseer since I first arrived at New Life Church. It takes a long time to become old friends, and Pastor Tom is a treasured confidant and mentor.

As you begin reading these pages, consider yourself invited to the table for a conversation with a trusted saint. Take your time to absorb these words. This wisdom was learned after a long obedience in the right direction and should be received in the same way. Listen to what has been written. Take in these words from a true spiritual father.

Brady Boyd
Senior Pastor, New Life Church
Author of Addicted to Busy, Fear No Evil,
and Sons and Daughters

Introduction

I FIRST BEGAN developing these lessons for life and ministry in 2000 when I read about Bill Gates’ address entitled “11 Personalized Rules of Life,” which he reportedly delivered at a high school graduation commencement. At the time, I thought he offered such good practical advice that I started personalizing some of the things I have learned from my own life and ministry so I could share them with my children and grandchildren someday. As often happens in an internet age, I later learned that Gates neither wrote nor delivered a speech like the one I had read—not to a high school and not to anyone else either. It was a little disappointing. Actually, no one even knows if he would agree with that speech. However, I do know he didn’t come up with or deliver those rules.

After some time, I discovered the original text I’d read was a pared-down version of an op-ed piece penned by educational reformer Charles J. Sykes, who is best known for his book Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good about Themselves, But Can’t Read, Write, or Add. In September 1996, San Diego Union-Tribune published Sykes’ opinion piece.1 Then in February 2000, an unnamed person began circulating it through email with Bill Gates as the author. That’s how I first discovered it, and I have seen it a few times since. What started my thoughts in this book are really the inspiration of Charles J. Sykes rather than Bill Gates, but the list of life’s lessons remains true nonetheless.

Based on that original misattributed list of lessons, I started writing my own collection of 11 pieces of guidance. As the years went by, I added additional lessons based on my experiences in life and ministry. In 2016 my friends at New Springs Church in Anderson, South Carolina, asked me to speak at a year-end staff retreat. They told me I would be one of three speakers and assigned “How to Finish Strong” as the subject of my message. At the time, I had only developed 18 of the lessons here in this book, so I wove them into my talk. I have since added three more. Thus, I now call them 21 Lessons for Life and Ministry, which is the subtitle for this book. The title is Tested and Approved because I believe learning and practicing these lessons will make all of us better individuals, family leaders, and ministers.

I am certainly not suggesting these are the only lessons you will need for life and ministry. I am still learning, as are you. I expect an expanded version of this book will be released in another 20 years, or at least a sequel with the subtitle More Lessons for Life and Ministry. What I hope first for you is that you will read these lessons and experience some of the same feelings I did when I first read “11 Personalized Rules for Life.” I am praying right now that you will gain a real advantage for your life and ministry from my experiences, both the good ones and the bad. Second, I am asking God to inspire you to sit and write your own life lessons as you learn and experience them. One day you will have the opportunity to share those lessons with the generations that follow you: your children, grandchildren, and others who are watching God work through you. My greatest prayer for this book is that it will give a guideline that might shorten your learning curve.

May God be with you on your journey as He has been with me mine. Enjoy!

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

—John 14:26

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