Originally posted 09-15-2010. Reposted 11-15-2011.
—————————————————————–
I’m going to say something that might make some of you angry today, but I just have to say it: Some pastors drive me nuts!
In my line of work as a pastor and consultant I meet tons of pastors. All are wonderful people, some just don’t quite get what pastoring is all about though. Here are some of the characteristics of many pastors that make me crazy:
- Focusing on “church growth” rather than mission.
- Thinking small groups are about “getting people connected” rather than discipleship.
- Trying to lead without being relational.
- Identifying things that need to change, but not changing them.
- Tolerating obvious sin in their congregation. Gossip, division, greed, lack-of-faith, and idolatry top the list of tolerated sins.
- Not having accountability.
- Not being in a small group.
- Having a “vision Sunday” once per year. People need vision all the time!!! Over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over…and over!!
- Making plans, without executing them.
- Not returning phone calls or emails.
- Blaming staff for problems without looking to themselves first for fault.
- Openly offering feedback without being open to feedback.
Okay I could go on, but I’ll stop. There’s my rant. ‘Nuff said.
I was a Senior Pastor for 20 years before I began working in the stewardship ministry with pastors all across the country. For the last thirteen years I have found all too often what you have laid out is true. While there are exceptions to the above list and certainly not all pastors are guilty of them, there is much truth to what you have laid out. I love these guys but at times they do drive you nuts. At times I wonder how the Kingdom grows at all but then I remember that it is not by might nor by power but by His Spirit. Even though I am often frustrated by pastors I still love and appreciate them. Still, I could have written this same post countless times over! I hope some will read it and evaluate their lives. For the Kingdoms sake.
Thanks Alan for that post last year, it is so true to our reality as Pastors. When I was n ot ministry 23 years ago I remember Dr Bill Bright being asked the question what is the greatest aspect of being on Crusade staff. He said as we might imagin leading people to Christ, but he then said the wonderful people that he met and worked with. The interviewer on stage then asked what was the most difficult aspect of being on staff and he said without hesitation. Some of the people I meet and work with. That statement has stuck with me for all these years and even now in the Church it is as true as it was then. Thanks for the article and for your recent comments.