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March 17, 2017 12 Comments

Six Traits of Preacher Eater Churches – Rainer on Leadership #311

Podcast Episode #311

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I hear far too often about the very real problem of preacher eating churches. We cover six traits that are found in these churches and how to remedy them.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • Many times, church members are unaware that pastoral tenure is an issue in their church.
  • There are bullies and power groups in nearly every church.
  • Perpetual church conflict works against the Great Commission.
  • If you are catering to a handful of families,whoever comes after you could be less successful because of it.
  • Too many pastors are expected to know needs about which they haven’t been told.
  • Many pastors and staff are woefully under-compensated.
  • Before taking a new pastorate, talk to pastors in the area about the church.

The six traits of preacher eater churches we discuss are:

  1. Their pastors don’t stick around long.
  2. The church has bullies and power groups.
  3. The church is in perpetual conflict.
  4. The church has non-biblical expectations of the pastor.
  5. The church does not believe pastors should be compensated adequately.
  6. The pastor’s family is not supported.

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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

  • Six Main Traits of Preacher Eater Churches
  • CareyNieuwhof.com
  • VSG Blog

Related

Comments

  1. Mary Mewer says

    March 17, 2017 at 10:25 am

    I’ve read negative after negative things from this site. You’re absolutely right. No church has to be better than any church.

    Reply
    • Ken says

      March 17, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      That’s what you’ve taken from these blogs? Seriously?

      Reply
      • Rick says

        March 17, 2017 at 2:28 pm

        Ken, I was thinking the same thing! Thanks for saying it

        Reply
        • Brian says

          March 18, 2017 at 8:55 am

          No kidding.

          Reply
  2. Allen says

    March 17, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    My body weight has gone down tremendously since I’ve been at the church I serve now, because of pastor eaters. All six things speak about the attitude of some people in my church. They have already eaten four other pastors before me. I have finally determined it’s time for me to go.

    Reply
    • Roy says

      March 17, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      I’m sorry to hear that Allen. May God bless your service and give you a church that is a blessing to you and your family.

      Reply
    • Brian says

      March 18, 2017 at 8:52 am

      Praying for you and yours.

      Reply
    • Ken says

      March 19, 2017 at 3:49 pm

      I don’t know if you’ve ever read a book called “Leading Your Church Through Conflict and Reconciliation”, edited by Marshall Shelley. One chapter is titled “Wars You Can’t Win”. The author makes two key points: (1) Some battles in the church simply cannot be won, and (2) if a pastor is caught in the middle of an unwinnable war, it’s no disgrace for him to face that fact and get out.

      Reply
  3. McKinley says

    March 17, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    Praying this never happens to me. Or any other Pastor.

    Reply
  4. Brian says

    March 18, 2017 at 8:54 am

    But the burning question remains…..where is the picture of the shirt?

    Reply
    • Dan C. says

      March 22, 2017 at 9:16 am

      YES! I listened to this on my run yesterday and I’ve been waiting to see THE SHIRT!

      Reply
  5. Stephen Bedard says

    March 30, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    Having listened to this, I thank God that I have only served at very supportive churches. Not that I never face opposition, but it is never personal. The feedback is always respectful and constructive.

    Reply

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