So many pastors are carrying so many people’s burdens right now, whether that’s recognised or not, and yet so many of them are just as deeply affected. Not that they want our sympathy, but our recognition of the fact means a lot. They do not resent the ministry they give, because it is their honour, a reflection of their calling. And they WANT to serve you!
These men and women who have received their call from God, and serve God with all sacrifice, as if it was death to every dream other than the dreams of the audience of one, which has become their dream.
Nobody could convince them what this call would cost them, and it did not seem to matter at the time they took it up. But you and I should know how much it has cost them and their love ones. They have literally given over ownership of their lives. And there may be many occasions where your pastor may seriously doubt their worth as a minister for God.
I know there are a small percentage of pastors, leaders and churches that don’t do the right thing, and the actual percentage isn’t important if you’ve been harmed. What is important is the vast majority of pastors and spiritual leaders pray untold prayers of intercession, endure sleepless nights and shed many tears in the service of God, and in bearing the burdens of their people.
Perhaps a good parallel would be to align the pain and trauma the abused have borne with the pain and trauma borne by the majority of pastors. That seems to me to be a fair comparison based on my experience of observing both.
Pastors minister with the depressed, they talk the suicidal down, they refer on with all pastoral care, they advocate for those who need a voice, they stand in the gap for the confused and vulnerable, they preach the word dutifully, they include the marginalised, they affirm people’s spiritual gifting, and in many ways minister out of their weakness; out of a paucity of resources when the chips are down.
It’s no coincidence that there is a high turnover and burnout rate in pastoral ministry.
There are occupational hazards in all vocations, but given the spiritual complexities of pastoring, these men and women of the faith are in the direct firing line. They so often give over and above their own resources, and continue to serve when they are depleted to ensure those they serve don’t fall through the gaps. Pastors are involved in open combat.
It’s not pastor appreciation day until October 11, but given the start to 2020 that we’ve had, this little article may prompt you to check in with your pastors and give them a message of encouragement and support.
We could easily spiritually abuse them by saying they need to do better in their self-care; that’s easier said than done when you’ve got the call of God on your life and you’re committed to shepherding the souls in your care. Yet, pastors do in the majority take responsibility for their mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
I know I haven’t always agreed with every pastor or supported every pastor how I should have for that matter. But right now, I feel it’s incumbent on me to pray for every single one that I know and am aware of. Each. And. Every. One. Especially now, when ministry is harder than ever in the disconnected confusion of this day.
Parishioners are blessed in no more fundamental way than they have the prayers of their pastors; so it is only fitting that we as parishioners pray for our pastors, and give thanks for each one.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
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