Podcast Episode #024
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Jonathan and I discuss my findings from a pair of recent Twitter polls I conducted. While not scientific, these anecdotal results describe the areas pastors love about pastoring—and the areas they do not.
- Seeing lives transformed.
- Preaching.
- Personal evangelism.
- The people/members.
- Developing new relationships.
- Ministering in the community.
- Ministering to members.
- Casting a vision.
- Staff relationships.
- Mentoring or discipling one-on-one.
- Conflict and complaining church members.
- Family challenges.
- Busy work.
- Members whose priorities are their own comfort and preferences.
- Expectations to be present at all church functions and many social functions.
- Non-productive meetings.
- Expectation to be on call 24/7.
- Confronting people who are sinning.
- Problems with staff members.
- Members who aren’t passionate about evangelism/reaching the community.
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This may seem a bit “carnal” but it’s still one of those negatives in being in ministry as a pastor (my husband is a pastor) Not being able to relax on weekends or holidays because the Church’s many ministries must go on. While others are gone on trips, we are still in our regular routine. We are a small church plant, so we can’t afford to take a vacation and in some areas, there is no one else to step in for us.
Hi Louise,
Please don’t feel like it’s “carnal” to think or to say what you shared. Being in the ministry for 20 years, I totally understand what you mean. My wife and I feel the same. Perhaps think of it this way. Although most weekends and holidays are almost impossible for us to be absent from the church, we do have flexibility during the week that most don’t. Besides, most travel or lodging is generally cheaper during the week when you take vacation than weekends or holidays.
However, I would strongly encourage your husband to find a like-minded pastor in your neck of the woods (and befriend him) who can step in for him. If you are in a denomination, ask one of your local denomination leaders. It is important for you guys to take time off together. The church will still be there when you take vacation – even as a small church plant. In fact, because it is a small church plant, it may be helpful to set the tone for the rest of congregation the importance of taking time off for pastor and his family. Not only should the pastor preach the theology of rest, but also demonstrate such for his congregation.
May the Lord bless you and your husband’s ministry.
Your fellow sojourner,
Jim
Thank you Jim. Yes I know it’s Biblical to rest. I guess both my husband and I are machines! Ha ha! and sometimes don’t realize we need to take a break. Plus we can’t afford it. This is our second church plant and we’re into the third year with this new church so we’re very busy laying foundations. I am also the worship leader so it’s all the more difficult for us both to get away. My husband teaches three times during the week and we also run the youth/college ministry. We do have some men who can fill in but no worship leader to fill in. But lo and behold, we are leaving for two days with our two elders and their wives for the mountains tomorrow! A time to pray, talk and reconnect. This just came together quickly last week and the expenses are covered. The only thing that will have to be cancelled is band practice; For which we shall survive! God bless you for your kind heart of encouragement.