This is an important post because what follows could save someone’s job and ministry—especially if that someone is an angry pastor. For some, it’ll be a painful reminder of a missed opportunity. For others, it’ll be dismissed and ignored at their own risk.
Here’s the hard truth: the only difference between anger and danger is the letter “D.” That’s especially true for pastors. Over the past three decades, I’ve watched several pastors struggle with anger. The stories never ended well.
Below are 13 realities of an angry pastor—and why ignoring them eventually costs you your ministry, your influence, and your people.
13 Realities of an Angry Pastor
1. Angry pastors have deep wounds.
Hurt people hurt people—even pastors. Unprocessed pain often becomes misplaced anger.
2. Angry pastors have control issues.
When they can’t control people or situations, it shows. Questions feel like challenges. Accountability feels like disrespect.
RELATED: 10 Reasons Pastors Struggle With Anger
3. Angry pastors rarely stay long.
Emotional immaturity burns bridges. Attendance drops. Giving drops. Eventually, the pastor is asked to leave.
4. Angry pastors lead shrinking congregations.
Anger limits the size of the flock you can steward. Many go from thriving churches to tiny ones because no healthy church will take the risk again.
5. Angry pastors offend good leaders.
Leaders want to help, and they’re capable of helping. But anger destroys trust, creates tension, and fractures boards and staff teams.
6. Angry pastors have short fuses.
Outbursts become normal. Staff walk on eggshells. People keep their heads down and stop offering ideas.
7. Angry pastors lose top staff.
Healthy, talented leaders won’t stay. Life is too short to serve under volatility.
