Renowned management Consultant Peter Drucker once said, “I am now convinced the two most difficult jobs in the world are these—one, to be President of the United States, and two, to be the leader a church.”
Whether we agree with Drucker or not, pastoring is both a privilege and a challenge. There are moments of joy and celebration – there are also moments of loneliness, pain and discouragement.
One my privileges as District Superintendent is to be a “pastor to pastor.” As I have met with pastors and leaders this fall, I am both encouraged by what I hear and also moved to pray for each one. Here are some challenges I am hearing from our pastors and leaders:
As we entered the fall season of ministry this year, nothing has been “normal.” For us pastor types, September brings the fall “kick-off,” usually held the Sunday after the Labour Day Weekend. At “kick-off,” we launch fall programs. We welcome new people. We take “inventory” of who has been “away on vacation” and those who are “away,” perhaps for good. We feel settled as we know the “lay of the land” and move forward.
For many pastors and churches, September 2020 has been a continuation of August, of July, of June, of May…. It may be difficult to assess where “our church is at.”
A second challenge is “pastoral care.” We acknowledge that this is not just the responsibility of the pastor. A lot of informal pastoral care takes place on Sunday AM after the service around the coffee pot, the tea and in the foyer. People “catch up” with one another. A pastor and leaders can follow up with those needing some pastoral care in the week ahead.
With online services, we can deliver a message and a form of worship, but we cannot connect with one another as we can “live.” When we meet physically together, many conversations can happen simultaneously – on ZOOM, we can only engage in one at a time.
Pastors are finding themselves busier than ever. They are stretched to produce an online service, to lead in pastoral care and also to initiate a “live” service, in which people can be both safely distanced and also enjoy fellowship. Within each church, there is a range of opinion about COVID – from extreme caution and isolation to those who are anxious to meet together – one size does not fit all.
Pastors are feeling somewhat lonely. Many are working from home. Many preach to a camera, rather than to a congregation each week. Most meetings are virtual. As people have been dealing with sustained COVID, there can be a “pessimistic” mood, and volunteerism and initiative can suffer. Affirmation of pastors might be in short supply.
While many others might experience similar things in their vocations, pastors can feel this most acutely.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Pastors, whether you are acknowledged and affirmed by your church this month or not, as it is said, “God keeps the books.” If you are not a pastor or on church staff, I encourage you to give thought to how you might encourage your pastor and church staff this month. You may also want to consider how you might encourage those who volunteer as leaders – COVID has stretched us all.
In this weekend of Thanksgiving, we all have much to give thanks to God for. Among these things are our pastors and leaders, so please take opportunity to give thanks to those who serve you in Christ’s Name, and also those with whom you serve.
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them? (Hebrews 13:17 -The MSG)
Here are some articles that offer some perspective on pastoral ministry, and also some ideas as to how you might minister to those who faithfully minister to you:
What Your Pastor Won’t Tell You (But Wishes You Knew) About Pastor Appreciation Month – an open letter to congregants. (J. R. Briggs, founder of Kairos Partnerships).
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The Blessing of Permission: Clergy Appreciation, 2020
by Pauline Doerksen
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