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August 23, 2016 11 Comments

8 Mistakes to Avoid as a Young Pastor – Rainer on Leadership #253

Podcast Episode #253

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Experience takes time and doesn’t come without mistakes. Today we discuss a recent post on rookie pastors and the mistakes they make as well as how to avoid them.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • Most rookie pastors have never had to handle HR issues until they’re in charge and then have no experience.
  • You should not go into personnel issues without guidance or someone by your side.
  • If you’re a pastor, you will get criticism. It comes with the territory.
  • The pastorate is the place for both workaholics and lazy bums.
  • It is so easy for pastors not to be disciplined with their time.
  • You can find help in almost any area. You just have to ask.
  • You can have friends; you can have people you hang out with; but you cannot show favoritism in the church.
  • Leaders are learners.

The eight mistakes to avoid are:

  1. They handle personnel issues with difficulty.
  2. They amplify criticisms.
  3. They are not disciplined with their schedules.
  4. They don’t often ask for help.
  5. They demonstrate favoritism.
  6. They don’t seek feedback or coaching.
  7. They don’t continue their education.
  8. They are influenced by the latest fad or group.

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Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Who Moved My Pulpit?

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Podcast

  • Eight Common Mistakes Rookie Pastors Make
  • ChurchAnswers.com

Related

Comments

  1. Mark says

    August 23, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Regardless of their gender, some young pastors are not aware of just who should be kept on their side. These are people in the congregation (albeit more powerful than but not generally in leadership) who can and will defend the young pastor to their friends.

    Reply
  2. Bill says

    August 23, 2016 at 9:42 am

    Yep, Yep, and Yep. They do not seek older wiser men (and women) to help them to do the right thing. They are destroying churches and people’s lives.

    Reply
  3. Jeff says

    August 23, 2016 at 9:59 am

    I agree these are all true and 6 of the 8 either are true or have been true about me. I wonder, Thom if you would be willing to write a blog/post about ways to avoid falling into these mistakes.

    Reply
  4. Ken says

    August 23, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Leaders are learners and learners are leaders.

    https://arbinger.com/product/leadership-and-self-deception/

    Reply
  5. Phil Hoover says

    August 23, 2016 at 2:04 pm

    I would add:
    1) Don’t ignore the “older generation”
    2) Always preach at least one sermon a year on “tithing and giving”
    3) Always answer your messages–even if it is to say “I’ll get back with you in a few days” (and do it, please). No one likes to feel ignored or “pushed aside.”
    4) Greet the “children” at the door after the service…get down on one knee, if you
    need to do so, to meet them at eye level, and say hello to them. Hug them…you will leave an impression on them, and their parents.
    5) Welcome those “pies” and “cakes” and other gifts a family may bring you…

    Reply
    • Ken says

      August 23, 2016 at 7:23 pm

      Regarding #4, I would also add, “Learn the NAMES of the kids.” In larger churches that may be easier said than done, but it’s easy enough to do in smaller churches. I’m terrible at remembering names, but I do make a special effort to learn the names of children. You’ll be surprised at the impact it makes when the pastor addresses children by name.

      Reply
  6. Ken says

    August 23, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    #9. They try to do too much, too quickly. Older pastors also sometimes make this mistake. You need to take time to love your people and get them to love you before you start pushing through any big changes.

    Reply
  7. John Mushenhouse says

    August 26, 2016 at 6:42 am

    I see that you have learned politics. Now learn to be a shepherd. Or get out. Go to a place that can show you how.

    Reply
    • Ken says

      August 26, 2016 at 8:50 am

      I hope you will excuse me for asking this, but do you have a point?

      Reply
  8. John Mushenhouse says

    August 27, 2016 at 6:48 am

    Yeah – Your churches are failing or have already failed You have no clue how to have fruit. You use politics and business practices. Isn’t it time you repent of your worldly means and try prayer and preaching the world.

    You are trying all of this stuff without any fruit just more blogs. As Trump says what do you have to lose. Seek the Lord and get some unction. Call some real prayer times. Get on your faces before the Lord. Teach the word word for word – do biblical counseling. Your business methods have failed. God is not in them.

    Reply
    • Bud says

      August 27, 2016 at 8:03 am

      At first reading mushenhouse seems quite arrogant and rude. Upon further contemplation you make some very valid points, I would add a spirit of love and compassion with them which I would include is certainly in the Word. I like to keep it simple go baptize teach! The rest of church business I suspect will work it’s way out! Finally, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, it’s not a biblical statement, But I’m sure there’s some biblical wisdom in the statement. Our goal is to win the lost, the unchurched, see them baptized, and grow as a disciple: perhaps there are others with the gifting of business in the church I can care for personnel issues along with the pastor.

      Reply

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