When I became a Christian at 21 years old I had a lot to learn. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever envision becoming a pastor. I was never that person that said that I was going to lead people to Jesus, and in fact I rarely had the desire to speak in front of people. I was more skeptical about pastors more than any other group of people (they reminded me more of used car salesman or door to door salesman). But when the call came, I reluctantly answered. It took me three to four years to walk out on real faith and trust this calling God seemed to think I was made for. The rest is history and I have been in full-time ministry for 3 years with 6 years of various ministry/leadership experiences. As much as I was a skeptic of pastors I had a pastor that began to grow on me. He could preach the word with excitement, and passion. He was always willing to answer biblical questions or difficulties people had and shepherded the flock of our church (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 5:2-5).
As good as this pastor was something deeper was brewing: many members began to get their Messiah complexes mixed up This disease runs in many churches including yours. Let me explain.
Many people love Christ, many people love their pastors, but sometimes there is an unnoticed disease where the church thinks that if they hire this pastor he will solve all the problems, issues, breaks, and cracks within their church. (insert the not my church here). Obviously not everyone does this, but it does creep in a subtle way. The end result can be an overworked, sometimes underpaid, stressed, ineffective pastor who either stays or leaves because of it.
One thing congregants (members) must understand is that pastors are people too. (sounds like a bad infomercial for PETA).
1. We fail just as much as you do.
Just ask their wives, or family. We fail constantly. We let preaching get to our head sometimes, we get so wrapped up in our knowledge that we think we are better than others, or that a bible study isn't up to our intellectual snuff. We get angry, say stupid things, and exclude people, and compare ourselves to other pastors. We can be a very insecure bunch!
2. Sometimes we just don't know how to interact with people.
You would think that being a pastor one would be socially adept to having conversations and talking openly and freely. Unfortunately this has not been my experience. Those who can flow from the pulpit or from behind a makeshift music stand, seem to be quiet, and reserved and act like its the first day of school. They can be awkward, timid and down right weird in social situations. This is something as pastors we must overcome through His Spirit
3. We get tired and need time away.
An important aspect of my ministry has always been rooted in quantity does not always equate quality. Many pastors are tempted with the feeling to take or lead too many ministries (esp. if they are not good ministries or being led well). They feel the need to have several events, trips schedule their lives up, and leave very little time for themselves by using a pious thought of I am doing it all for the kingdom. I do not deny that various events, trips, and ministries help our members but we are not only commanded to rest, and reflect (Gen.2:1-4) but in the end we will be more effective by doing this. It can also lead us to a deception of the more I "do": which quickly puts a emphasis and focus on us and OUR labor.
It is easy to schedule time up and spend too much time at the office, or more time with congregants than filling up on Christ and His Spirit. Any engaged or married pastor will have to understand that God comes first then his wife, then his family. If we neglect tending to our families, how can we be effective with our spiritual family? (1 Tim. 3:4-5) This verse also can become a good model for single pastors.
This aspect begins the downward spiral of fatigue, being burned out, and let's be honest when dealing with people they frustrate you. Pastors need a retreat, to get away, and to manage their time wisely. I understand that most pastors are understaffed or no staffed, with no help from parents, no support, its a lone ranger type of ministry. But as leaders we must take care of ourselves (see my blog on empty tanks)through nourishment of the word, rest and time off.
1. Now pastors are called to a list of character/teaching qualifications that set him apart as it is a calling. (1 Tim. 3:1-7)
2. Pastors are also called not to take the call of leadership lightly (James 3:1)
Both lists could be endless of the things pastors endure,(and are called to) but I just wanted to remind people that pastors are people. We are called to a position unlike any other. A position very similar to a quote I saw on an article made by Ernest Shakelton used in an advertisement for his expedition to Antarctica in 1914:
"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful...."
Be Blessed
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