(Ron Dicianni's "The Servant")10 Pastoral Myths
1. Pastors can read minds
2. Pastors are loved by everyone
3. Pastors love it when people whine and complain
4. Pastors can fix a bad marriage, or wayward children
5. Pastors love unrealistic expectations
6. Pastors have Teflon hearts and feelings
7. Pastors best time to talk is right before, or after a worship service
8. Pastors have perfect children and a perfect marriage
9. Pastors are holier and just short of perfection
10. Pastors can work 24/7, 365 and rarely need a break/vacation
I love pastors, but trust me, they are all too human. They get tired, frustrated, and nervous. They are harder on themselves than most people realize and most of them really do want people to like them, but they know they are not called to be popular. They often feel inadequate and unworthy. They have as many bosses as church members. Even model pastor's can't walk on water. Like anyone else, they need to be encouraged and loved for who they are not what they do. They would rather have people be authentic instead of trying to be something they aren't, or saying what they think the pastor wants to hear. They are often some of the loneliest people I know.
Most of them were busy doing something else when God called them to a life of service. Many of them are incredibly insecure despite outward appearances. They genuinely love people and want to encourage others. They love Jesus and are at their best when people are coming to Christ, or growing in their faith. Like Peter and Paul, no two pastor's are the same, despite the goal of some well-intended but sorely misguided members who try to continually compare their current pastor with the previous one. There's never enough time for study and prayer and they always feel as though they could have done more in conflict, counseling and leading. They live in a fishbowl. If they are going to survive the long haul they need a great sense of humor. They know they are not God and don't want to be. They need friends outside of the church and time away to refuel, renew and replenish. Over the years they carry thousands of worries, troubles, heartaches and secret pains of people who have shared with them in confidence. Many work all the time because they are desperately seeking the approval of God and their members.
Pastors are a special group to me, even those with whom I disagree. May God bless every one of you and may He give you the freedom to be yourselves, a realistic sense of humor, and encourage you as much as you have encouraged others. You are making a difference and He chose you! Now that's incredibly humbling and special. Thank you pastors for all you do and may God touch your spouse and children with His wings of love!
2 comments:
Monty, so true! Pastors are a treasure we often take for granted, treat like dirt, and forget to express our appreciation to/for. Thank you for being willing to serve despite these difficulties! You and your family are a special treasure!
Deb Weaver
Thanks Deb. Recent events in the lives of some pastor friends awakened some PK memories and prompted this post.
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