You may think you know, but truthfully, you have no idea the unique and unseen pressures on your pastor and his family unless you have served in pastoral ministry too. From 11 years serving as a student pastor, Daniel and Heather let you in on a peek behind the curtain of what pastoral ministry is like. They talk through not only the pressures of church ministry but also the fulfilling, unique joys of this calling too. Listen for 5 ways you can lift pressure off your pastor so he may continue to serve faithfully and in health for many years to come. Let this episode bring awareness and compassion to the man that serves you and God’s church each week.
PRESSURES
1. Loneliness
- In that same Lifeway study of pastors, they found that 58% of pastors said that they did not have any true friends.
2. Unending Schedule - LifeWay says 40% of pastors work between 50-59 hours a week with the majority working seven days a week. - It is a 24/7 job that often interrupts holidays, special occasions, and vacations.
3. Financial Stress - Most of the 400,000 pastors in the US are underpaid. Many pastors leave their current church or ministry altogether because they simply cannot make ends meet.
4. Competition - Ministry should not be a numbers game but it is the metric many use to rate the “success” of a pastor and if he does not meet a certain number for giving, attendance, baptisms, etc., then the blame is on him. Even if he is not to blame. - Often caught between being faithful vs. being more attractional in order to draw more people in as our culture becomes increasingly entertainment-driven and consumeristic in worship style.
5. The Homefront - A struggle to pour out all day for others and not come home feeling empty when it is time to pour out to your own family. - The unspoken expectations and pressures placed on pastor’s wives and children are unfair. Everyone has an idea of what they “should” look like, dress like, how they should serve, etc. with none of this communicated and little grace given. But, the pastor’s wife is always expected to take the high road or else....gossip will ensue.
HOW YOU CAN LIFT PRESSURE OFF YOUR PASTOR
1. Pray fervently for him, his marriage, his children, in the way God is leading him. There is a very real spiritual war going on and it is felt on him and his family. Help him fight well. The enemy LOVES taking down a pastor.
2. Encourage him and his family verbally. In a text, or card or email. For a great sermon or lesson, but also for his character that shines through in less visible moments than from the stage.
3. Care for his family. His wife is not the unpaid staff member so don’t treat her as such. Love his kids, but not bringing too much attention to them. Offer to serve them someway with no strings attached.
4. Set up safeguards. - If there isn’t already an expectation and protection for a sabbath day, vacation time and sabbatical for your pastor then you need to put it into place. - Protect your pastor by setting up accountability for him. No one pastor should make decisions without answering to someone else.
5. Be Engaged. Be a team player in the mission of the church. Nothing breathes more life into a pastor than seeing his congregation fall in love with Jesus and run on mission for Him.
UNIQUE JOYS OF MINISTRY
1. Deep relationships can form over time. You are dealing with people’s souls and greatest joys and sorrows. Deep bonds are formed when you “go to war” together.
2. Seeing spiritual fruit grow in those you pour into up close is wildly encouraging.
3. Keeping the big picture in mind produces a joy that God has asked you serve His eternal purpose at this moment in time. It also helps keep your ego in check.
WHAT WE ARE LOVING
Daniel - Target brand Pumpkin Spice coffee.
Heather - Relevant Reach service for pastors and churches.
Find Us Here:
Daniel www.danielritchie.org
Twitter || Facebook ||Instagram
Heather Instagram
Have a great week! Be Kind!
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