Lots of fascinating insight and helpful advice in this interview with Internet entrepreneur Jason Fried, President and co-founder of 37 Signals. His caution to those just starting out in business is so transferable to those just starting out in ministry:

Also, I think obscurity is your friend when you’re just starting out. People want to get rid of the obscurity so everyone knows who they are and what they’re doing, but it’s nice to have that cushion of being able to mess up without anyone knowing or caring so that you can learn without the spotlight on you. Once the spotlight is on you, there’s a lot of pressure and you don’t need that kind of pressure early on. Take it easy, have a long-term view on things, build on little successes, and learn more before you try to go out and change the world.

I’ve seen young ministers with great potential damaged, and even destroyed, by doing the opposite of this.

I’ve also seen others, some that I had major doubts about, chose small and unnoticed ministries, and they’ve slowly grown into fine preachers, wise leaders, and respected counselors.