Monty Hale, director of the office of pastoral ministries and bivocational pastors for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, says pastors are under tremendous pressure.
“We expect pastors to be biblical scholars, powerful preachers, sensitive counselors, capable managers, effective administrators, successful fundraisers and much more,” he said. “Pastors work long hours to meet all the demands placed upon them, and yet many feel inadequate and unappreciated.”
More than 70 percent of pastors feel “burned out or stressed”, he said. Half of pastors say they struggle in their relationship with God, and four of five pastors say their ministry negatively affects their family life. At least 400 pastors leave the ministry each week in the U.S., Hale said.
Hale recently mailed a brochure to churches in which he lists several practical ways a congregation can care for its pastor:
• Pay your pastor as well as you possibly can. Overwhelm him with generosity.
• Be sure your pastor has at least one day off a week — then make sure it is taken.
• Provide adequate paid vacation.
• Encourage your pastor in continuing education and spiritual enrichment, providing both time and finances.
• Make sure conferences and seminars for your pastor and spouse are not considered vacation time.
• Take your pastor fishing, golfing, sailing, etc. — not to talk about church, but to play.
• A gift card to a restaurant or grocery store is deeply appreciated.
• Write a note telling your pastor something you learned from a recent sermon.
• Encourage your pastor and spouse to find and attend events that enrich marriage, then make the finances available.
• Plan a surprise gift for your pastor and his spouse; several days at a bed-and-breakfast will always be welcome.
• Remember the birthdays and wedding anniversary of your pastor and family.
• Drop a note to your pastor’s family to express appreciation and brighten their day.