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Even with the increased desire of church revitalization from leaders of all generations, Thom and Mark discuss six reasons why some pastors don’t desire to go to a church needing revitalization.
The 6 reasons some pastors don’t desire to go to a church needing revitalization:
- We don’t celebrate the victories of revitalized churches and their pastors.
- Church culture is increasingly negative, and many churches needing revitalization have followed this trend.
- Some pastors have the “grass is greener” syndrome and move on too quickly.
- We have failed to equip many pastors in leadership and relational skills.
- There is often a chasm between the expectations of pastors and the expectations of congregations.
- The Internet age makes information about “better” jobs readily available.
Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:
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Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.Submit Your Question:
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I read, with a great deal of interest, your article on the “Six reasons some pastor’s don’t desire to go to a church needing revitalization”. Just a couple of comments.
Reason #1. “We don’t celebrate the victories of revitalized churches and their pastors.” Why is it that you believe that pastor’s should be celebrated or recognized publicly for a successful revitalization? Isn’t man supposed to humble themselves before God and not seek praise from man? (or his congregation)? If a pastor’s only reason for revitalization is to be celebrated, then he is in the wrong profession.
Reason #3 “Some pastors have the “grass is greener” syndrome and move on too quickly.” If a pastor is seeking out other churches because they seem to be better than his own is missing the most important duty of his profession, the salvation of the lost. If, in his/her opinion the church is a dead church he should be on his knees asking God for guidance. Jehoshaphat comes to mind.
Reason #4 “We have failed to equip many pastors in leadership and relational skills.” Leadership and relational skills are a gift from God and the reason a person places themselves in pastoral under-shepherding. If one does not already possess these skills then seek another profession. God has the answers and gives the tools. I know many persons who would love to be in the ministry but they lack the skills needed and go on to those other professions that God has set them up for.
Lastly reason #6 “The Internet age makes information about “better” jobs readily available.” Again, if a pastor is dissatisfied with his/her current placement, only because he/she is not in the “better job” then they are in the wrong profession. God sends pastors to certain churches because they need their help and they should “grab on and enjoy the ride”, so to speak. Again Jehoshaphat and his battles comes to mind.
What are the REAL reasons pastors take a position, fame and glory and an easy ride or to save a withering people?
Thanks for the opportunity to sound off. I just get defiant when pastors complain or take to “looking for something better” than doing the work for God and His people.
I am not a pastor. I am a Teaching Elder. I longed to be a pastor for most of my life but I was able to recognize that God had better plans for me. I still get to preach now and again, and for that I am thankful to God.
Blessings and keep up the good works.
William, you are right on the target. God calls Pastors,and elders, It is not an occupation like a secular job. That is one of the big problems we have today. Each church is to disciple and train those He sends to each congregation. A one good example is Paul and Timothy. But Paul trained many to take the Good News and establish. I have been a Pastor and evangelist for forty eight years as of this year and am 85 yrs old and am now obeying the Lord by beginning to help Him form a new congregation. I don’t see where God has a retirement plan but the one that He retires you to come home to him. Even the Apostle continued to serve through all He went through and didn’t hear him complain. sickness and persecution didn’t stop the early church, it continued to grow. Not through an attractive income plan and expenses with perks. I realize one has to take care of his family and if the teaching is Biblical, the Lord will meet the need, not the wants! He tell us He will supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. We need to quit looking at the calling as a Job and get back to preaching the Gospel with Holy Spirit inspired messages and big, huge Churches are not the answer.
Jesus said He knows his sheep and His sheep knows His voice and another they will not follow. Do we know our sheep and can call them by name and do we see the need of each one, physical or Spiritual. I am great-full to you for your comments, GOD BLESS YOU IN HIS CALLING.
Thom, perhaps the number one reason pastors don’t desire to go to a replant church:
1. The pay stinks and is not stable.
This is my perspective. Perhaps you have empirical evidence to show this is or isn’t true.
I wish it weren’t true, but it seems we are in an age of emphasizing the”professional pastor” and less so the pastor with a sense of a calling.
I don’t have data on that issue.
I appreciate your views on the same.Good comments.
It’s a tough thing, going to a church that needs revitalizing. The church is often resistant to change and is negative and critical. Many pastors don’t want it. It’s a tougher day and age. To be a pastor. If you go, they will probably fight you, after some time, and attempt to get rid of you. That’s hard on a man and his family. If you want a safe job, become a Baptist state official or DOM. That’s safe. Pastors’ heads are on the chopping block.