1. They truly sense God's call in their lives. It's not just
another job for them; it is, as one pastor told me, "an inescapable
reality."2. They love their churches and the members. The
metaphor of "shepherd" is truly appropriate for these pastors. They care deeply
for those they serve.
3. They work hard. The typical
workweek of these pastors is about 60 hours, a number I hope to verify in a
future poll.4. Many are hurting from conflict and hurtful church members. Noted one pastor, "I hate that I find myself running from her, but every time I see her she blasts me!"
5. Most would like more practical training. This quote was a common theme: "I feel prepared to study the Bible and theology; but I am still ill-prepared to deal with leadership issues, money, and strategies."
6. Many are struggling financially. They are struggling with their own personal finances; and they are struggling to understand church finances.
7. They are challenged greatly by the pace of change in culture. Some of the older pastors (50 and up) particularly lament how different the world and serving the church is today than just a decade ago.
8. They are stressed for time. Sixty hours a week, noted above, is not sufficient time to meet all the demands upon them.
9. Many have struggling families. This comment came on another post as I was preparing this post: "I have pastored my church for 13 years now, and I am looking for a secular job. My kids have abandoned the church as they became adults as I have fought a small group of power peddlers the entire time. I am tired of seeing my family treated as hired help and employees not to mention myself. I will never leave the ministry. I know more than ever God has called me to the ministry. I will always serve Him in whatever capacity I am in. I love preaching and will continue to do so as the opportunity arises. But I just can't deal with this situation any longer."
10. Some pastors are experiencing true depression. See my post on this topic on July 18, 2011. Note the comments as well.
Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/ten-things-ive-learned-about-pastors-in-two-years-99238/#oJFQp7aQFzSRUBAL.99
