Regarding “When pastors’ silent suffering turns tragic” (Jan. 7), I have been a pastor since 1982, and I can say that ministry today is more difficult than ever.
Ministers are looked to for the resolution of church conflict, which has become epidemic. They are expected to preach inspiring sermons, plan effective worship services, win and baptize converts, raise money, exceed the church budget, visit the sick and shut-in, bury the dead, comfort the grieving, provide a high level of sophisticated and professional spiritual counsel, effectively deal with quirky people, provide premarital counseling and perform beautiful weddings. Most pastors have the heart to lead their church toward kingdom growth, but some struggle with the apathy of a few in some congregations to do so. All of these expectations exist, plus we live at a time when the culture is no longer out there propping up the church as in days gone by – not to mention that many formerly faithful people have dropped out of church altogether, taking their support with them. The expectations are unrealistic to place on anyone, yet we are surprised and disappointed when a pastor becomes beleaguered and depressed, lets us down or completely burns out, loses heart and quits the ministry.
Of course, some pastors and ministers exacerbate their own situation by isolating themselves. They choose to develop few friends within their own faith community – the result being loneliness and separation from those who could help the most. This is a poor choice. Some ministers may refuse to seek medical treatment for depression causing unnecessary lingering pain. That is a poor choice also. As a pastor myself for many years, I can attest to the grace and strength God has flowed into my life through relationships I have with trusted spiritual people, including those at my church, Memorial Baptist. Many lay people have a lot more to offer their pastor(s) than many ministers realize.
What can people do to encourage their minister/pastor/church staff? Here are 10 suggestions: Pray for them and tell them you are doing so; tell them how much you appreciate the job they are doing; cherish their wives and children; remember their birthdays and anniversaries; take them out to lunch on their special days; send them a card once in a while, just for the purpose of encouragement; if there is a legitimate criticism, approach the matter in a biblical and loving fashion; bear in mind that your pastor/minister is called by God, not man; know the greatest personal compliment you can give to your minister has to do with his preaching/teaching; take into account that your pastor/minister has personal struggles and problems just like you; remember that Clergy Appreciation Month is every October.
First Timothy 5:17 says: “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
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