What happens when the Church has been a refuge and a safe place, but now as you lead in ministry it becomes “work”?
Before becoming a full-time pastor, I had a forty-hour work week. It was a job I could leave behind once I left the building. It was an achievement, and I was proud of my accomplishments, but it wasn’t what I was called to do or where I was called to be. So, I became bored and restless. Now, as I serve in ministry, it is a position that I never stop considering or pull away from as I live out each day. I am pondering how a person or family is doing, thoughtful of my next message, am I discipling the congregation, or questioning if I am doing enough overall.
For many Christians, the local church they attend can be a beacon of hope, a symbol of peace and light that has come from an understanding of who Christ is. Ironically, for the pastor, it can be an image of burdens such as criticism, expectations, and disappointment. Yet, a pastor will internalize this as part of the position. Most pastors, when ordained, are reminded of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 as part of their standard going into it all. This text sets a high standard for a pastor, (deservedly so), and many appreciate it to be honored and carried out. Yet, it is important to remember that as the tasks come, many times with great difficulty, the job can feel like it is barring your ability to come back to worship. “Don’t complain and remain patient” is what we say.
Are pastors sitting in their office looking around at the Holy Place where people come to be saved and discipled as a “workplace”? Is the Holy Spirit drowned out by the heavy schedule, phone ringing, and knocks at the door? This is unintentional, of course, and with efforts to be appreciative and joyful. However, is the weight of it all taking the whispers of the Holy Spirit out of range? Are the expectations overtaking us and causing insecurities? Are these fears and anxieties associated with the local church you serve in? Do we dread the drive up to the church where we serve? Do we take deep breaths as we prepare to walk in, or do we brace ourselves within our souls when opening our emails? Has the joy of serving Christ, as 1 Timothy instructs, been replaced with the mundane 9-to-5 feeling?
First, be intentional about prayer time and do it in the sanctuary so it can restore you.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;” Colossians 4:2 (ESV)
As a pastor, I have realized that I do not pray in the sanctuary alone enough. Typically, I serve others as much as required and reach out to those who I haven’t heard from while asking God if there is anything more of me for the day. However, individual prayer is done at home, and in isolation. While that is needed and should be a part of a person’s prayer life…
“We begin by asking ourselves what prayer is, which are the three major types of prayer, and then why personal prayer has its importance. Holy Scripture teaches us how to pray. As Christians, it is important that we keep in mind that prayer is a gift, a grace, from the Holy Spirit. We shall close by examining the wellsprings of Christian personal prayer, some help to prayer and some tips on how to respond to problems and challenges on the road to personal prayer.”1
One mistake for church leaders is that they commonly lead in prayer, group studies, or sermons but rarely are being prayed for, praying individually, or allowing others to lead. What this does is retain the responsibility of ministry for others while never letting one’s own soul open for their own spiritual needs. Often, the reason for this (which is fair) is it can be difficult for the pastor to share deep needs that can disturb the congregation and their perception and/or confidence in who he is. Therefore, we should be part of pastors’ support groups or safe places (such as Care for Pastors) where they can let their guard down on what they need.
Second, ensure that the congregation as well as the building you serve is not just a place where hardships happen but also joy and contentment.
“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:20-22 (ESV)
If the church becomes the place associated only with pain, it will soon become the place you fear. Many people hate hospitals because it brings to mind anxiety, pain, and heartache. However, baseball stadiums, beaches, and spas are known for peaceful times, joyous excitement, and fond memories. Don’t let the heartbreak of ministry overshadow the joys and excitement of God’s glory. Make it a point to attend the potluck, VBS gathering, and even nursery before service. Invite a guest speaker, sit with the congregation, and receive it as they do. Burying your head constantly in ministry can be sinful. This can be a conduit for pride that many pastors fail to see while they push on with more work. There needs to be sabbaticals, retreats, and moments of rest.
Lastly, be in constant prayer and Bible reading not for preparation but in relationship with Christ.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Pastors who become overwhelmed are often living for the next ministry moment. This makes sense because the role can be very demanding. Yet, those who neglect Jesus are unable to serve those as God instructs. Most of us have heard the pre-flight announcement on airplanes explaining how to use the oxygen mask. Those with children need to place the oxygen on themselves first and then apply it to the child. Rest in Jesus first before attempting to mend the hearts of the community.
We must live to love Christ first in our relationship so that we hear from Him appropriately and feel His caring arms and hear His loving whispers.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV)
Pastors must not be afraid of feeling limited in their abilities but instead understand them and know that Christ gives us the ability through our weaknesses.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
The Devil, the world, and our flesh are vulnerable to pride, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. While we live to serve Jesus as His disciples, we often think our work will save us. Yet, the work can be idolatrous as we take hold tighter than our love for Christ. Therefore, be humble, and, most of all, need God’s love as we need the air we breathe.
