Pastor to Congregation: "I Quit"
If the statistics quoted in this article are true, ministry and ministers are in big trouble.
I have always known that ministry morale can be a roller-coaster. Despite all the pitfalls that acoompany "life in the fishbowl," ministry is a highly enjoyable line of work. I often feel like a baseball player who is doing what he loves most and getting paid for it.
Congregations can help their pastors feel that their lives and ministry are significant and fulfilling. Here is a short list:
As the writer of the article stated, I too am glad that I serve a congregation that is relatively stress free. But I also know that churches can change and go in the wrong direction if the membership forgets to do some of the things mentioned above.
I have always known that ministry morale can be a roller-coaster. Despite all the pitfalls that acoompany "life in the fishbowl," ministry is a highly enjoyable line of work. I often feel like a baseball player who is doing what he loves most and getting paid for it.
Congregations can help their pastors feel that their lives and ministry are significant and fulfilling. Here is a short list:
- Bring your bible to church and make sure you also read it during the week.
- Attend church regularly. Not only on Sunday but also during the midweek to get that extra boost in your life.
- Keep tabs on your fellow members of the church family. Get to know them by name. Invite them out for a cup of coffee, dessert or even dinner. Call them if they don't show up. Visit them if they are in the hospital or sick at home. Pray for them.
- Find a significant area of ministry. Plug in and be faithful.
- Contribute your tithes and, as you are able, over and beyond for missions, and other needs that may come up.
- Insist that your pastors take time off regularly. And honor their time off by not calling them for non-emergencies, unless of course you are just calling to say "hi" or if it is a true emergency.
- Withhold criticism of your pastors and church family. Take your concerns to the people who can do something about it.
As the writer of the article stated, I too am glad that I serve a congregation that is relatively stress free. But I also know that churches can change and go in the wrong direction if the membership forgets to do some of the things mentioned above.
posted by jawbone at
2:16 PM
1 Comments:
"Elders, Where are they?"
When it comes to spiritual leadership in the church the bible clearly shows that the head pastor of a church is the first among equals. The church at large is guilty of down playing the serious role of an elder. Pastors often shoot themselves in the foot and can be their own worst enemy. Their fear of losing control contributes greatly to the cycle of burnout. If pastors would humble themselves, let their pride go, and enable elders to function in a biblical way, the ministry load would be a lot more manageable. Elders were meant to be in the forefront not the background. They should be teaching, preaching, counseling, and leading the congregation along with the pastor. Their position is not any less significant. Their biblical role is very much pastoral. God has a wonderful design for leadership in the church. Unfortunately, we are missing it and suffering the consequences.
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Anonymous, at 11:06 AM
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