[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h4″ looks_like=”h4″]Well, here we are in October, a month usually set aside as Pastor’s Appreciation Month. And although we should be honoring our pastor all year long, it is good that all churches have a common month to focus on this important aspect of being a doer of the Word, by giving honor to whom honor is due (see Romans 13:7). And your pastor certainly fits into that category.[/x_custom_headline]
I believe that everyone who has any knowledge about these things at all would have to agree that the job of a pastor is the most difficult job in God’s Kingdom, and in many ways, outside of God’s Kingdom as well.
Were you aware, for example, that the most recent statistics tell us that 97% of pastors have been betrayed, falsely accused, and hurt by their trusted friends within their church? As I write this, I am quickly approaching forty years in ministry, and I can assure you that the 3% that haven’t been betrayed yet, are most likely brand new in the ministry and just getting started. And sadly, for this 3%, being badly hurt and betrayed by the very people they are laying their lives down to minister to is just around the corner.
And did you know that 70% of pastors battle with depression. It’s true. In fact, it is often referred to as the “pastor’s plague.” This is one of, but not the only reason, that 1,500 pastors or more quit every single month.
On top of all that, 80% of pastors feel discouraged, and 94% of their wives and families feel the intense pressure of being in the ministry. Just imagine that. And if any of this shows in the slightest way at a particular church service, any of the busybodies and gossips who observe it are quick to lambast them further for it.
This may shock you, but the idea that most pastors just sit around waiting for Sunday to arrive is a complete fantasy. I say that because over 90% of pastors actually work between 55-75 hours a week, and many of them more than that. I know I do. And that is the equivalent of working two full-time jobs while only being paid for one. And yet with all of that, there are always those within the congregation who have mastered the art of pointing out those things the pastor still isn’t getting done, at least in their mind.
Having said all that, I felt it was important to point out to you a few things that your pastor just isn’t doing for you at all. He isn’t. He may be a good man, maybe even a great man, but there are still things that he is definitely not doing for you at all, and you need to be aware of it.
For example, your pastor may be an extremely faithful man of God. In fact, his own faithfulness is actually putting him in position to abound with blessings, as the verse below promises.
[x_blockquote cite=”Proverbs 28:20a KJV” type=”left”]“A faithful man shall abound with blessings:”[/x_blockquote]
However, your pastor’s faithfulness will never be able to cover up your own unfaithfulness. Have you been unfaithful in what it takes to make your church strong and vibrant? To illustrate, I’ll explain further and show you what I mean.
Your pastor may have the most dynamic prayer life, and is as faithful in that as anyone can be. And although your pastor may very well be praying for you and over you, he isn’t able to be the substitute for you lack of faithfulness in your own prayer closet. He can’t do that for you.
And he may be the most faithful and consistent tither and generous giver within your local church. However, he isn’t responsible to carry the whole financial load of the ministry, not by a long shot. Instead, you are. That’s right. You and everyone else in the congregation are to be carrying the financial load of your local church, not your pastor. He isn’t doing that for you. That is on you.
It could be that your pastor’s heart yearns to see lost souls come into the Kingdom of God and be discipled at your church. But if your church isn’t growing, and your altars aren’t busy with people being born again, then look no further than the person looking back at you in the mirror for the reason for this. Because it isn’t your pastor’s job to reach your family, friends and neighbors with the gospel, or invite them to your church. That’s your job. He can’t do that for you.
I trust that your pastor is a wonderful and honorable person. But there is a long, long list of things that he isn’t doing for you, simply because he can’t. Because it is your responsibility to be faithful in all of these areas.
So, stop blaming the pastor if your church isn’t growing like it should be, or if the finances are low. And stop blaming the pastor if things in your own life are not as successful as they are supposed to be, and if things are not happening in your family or finances or health as they should. And instead take personal responsibility for these things yourself. Your pastor preaches the Word to you, but he can’t be expected to live it out for you, too.
Yes, there are many things that your pastor isn’t doing for you. But that is only because he can’t do them. That’s your job.
